Application of central composite design for optimisation of the development of metakaolin based geopolymer as adsorbent for water treatment

Metakaolin-based geopolymers (MKGP) were optimised by varying the operating conditions using the central composite design (CCD) and the response surface method (RSM) to optimise the operating variables affecting MKGP formation and their adsorption efficiency. The MKGP was characterised and tested for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous environment. Results show that the MKGP5 with the most organised structure exhibits the highest MB removal efficiency. Parameters like the adsorbent dose, the pH, the contact time, the initial dye concentration, and the temperature were optimised to improve the adsorption efficiency of MB. The results also demonstrated the accuracy and feasibility of CCD simulation to develop a well-converted geopolymer adsorbent for water treatment.

Automated summary

In this study, metakaolin-based geopolymers (MKGP) were optimised by varying the operating conditions and variables. The MKGP was characterised and tested for its dye removal efficiency. The results showed that the MKGP5 with the most organised structure exhibited the highest dye removal efficiency. Optimising the adsorbent dose, pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, and temperature can further improve the adsorption efficiency of the dye.