Differential evolution-based optimization of corn stalks black liquor decolorization using active carbon and TiO2/UV

Abstract

In this work, the active carbon adsorption and TiO2/UV decolorization of black liquor were studied through experimental analysis (planned using Design of Experiments), modelling and optimization (with Response Surface Method and Differential Evolution). The aim is to highlight the importance of optimization methods for increasing process efficiency. For active carbon adsorption, the considered process parameters were: quantity of active carbon, dilution, and contact time. For TiO2 promoted photochemical decolorization the process parameters were: TiO2 concentration, UV path length and irradiation time. The determined models had an R squared of 93.82% for active carbon adsorption and of 92.82% for TiO2/UV decolorization. The optimization of active carbon resulted in an improvement from 83.08% (corresponding to 50 g/L quantity of active carbon, 30 min contact time and 200 dilution) to 100% (corresponding to multiple combinations). The optimization of TiO2/UV decolorization indicated an increase of efficiency from 36.63% (corresponding to 1 g/L TiO2 concentration, 60 min irradiation time and 5 cm UV path length) to 46.83% (corresponding to 0.4 g/L TiO2 concentration, 59.99 min irradiation time and 2.85 cm UV path length). These results show that the experiments and the subsequent standard RSM optimization can be further improved, leading to better performance.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Tools for Process Optimization: Case Study—Bromocresol Green Decolorization with Active Carbon

“…In order to determine the optimal parameters for BCG decolorization, three independent variables were considered based on the experience of our previous studies [34, 75]. Table 2 presents the considered variables, their unit of measure, and the considered range used in the experimental phase based on DOE.…”

“…Among the multitude of nature-inspired algorithms [49], BFO distinguished itself as an efficient approach. Its simplicity, ease of use, and efficiency in solving a wide range of problems represent the main reasons for selecting BFO from the multitude of algorithms from its class [34] and applying it as an alternative approach to RSM for optimizing the considered process. Furthermore, it was successfully applied to various synthetic [50, 51] and real-world problems [52].…”

“…To be competitive, all these methods must evolve with the technical progress and the continuous tightening of the environmental standards and regulations [27]. In this view, there are a series of directions that focus on (i) finding new, more effective technologies [28,29], (ii) combining existing methods to increase their effectiveness [30][31][32][33], and (iii) optimizing existing technologies to increase the efficiency and decrease the operation costs [34,35].…”

“…The AOPs usually involve chemically assisted UV irradiation [68, 69] and/or heterogeneous photocatalysis [70, 71]. As for the active carbon-based materials, the focus is on preparing activated carbon from various low-value natural materials [72, 73] using pyrolysis and, in some cases, additional chemical activation [34]. Although this method is one of the most cost-effective, the properties of the resulting AC are highly dependent upon the conditions under which the raw material is produced (soil quality, precipitation, temperature, etc.…”

Statistical Analysis and Optimization of the Brilliant Red HE-3B Dye Biosorption onto a Biosorbent Based on Residual Biomass

“…Computer-assisted data analysis packages are increasingly being used for statistical data processing [ 18 , 19 , 24 , 25 ]. The advantage of this software is that it allows for much more efficient work processing, which leads to significant time savings and helps in obtaining more in-depth information on data, which might otherwise be lost.…”