Process Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology for the Removal of Cu(II) and Co(II) from Aqueous Solution Using Gelatin-Cellulose Nanocrystals Hydrogel Membrane

Abstract

The adsorption efficiency of gelatin-cellulose nanocrystals hydrogel membrane (GCHM) for the removal of Cu(II) and Co(II) from aqueous solution was studied in batch experiments. The interactive effect of independent variables such as pH, contact time, temperature, and ratio of gelatin and cellulose nanocrystals on Cu(II) and Co(II) adsorption were investigated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the response surface quadratic model is highly impressive and can successfully predict the experimental results. The optimization results of the process variables by response surface methodology- central composition design (RSM-CCD) model was obtained at pH 6, temperature of 52.50 ℃, time of 67.50 min. and ration gelatin-CNCs of 3:1. The maximum removal percentage was 86.95% and 89.77% for Cu(II) and Co(II), respectively.