Differential evolution-based optimization of corn stalks black liquor decolorization using active carbon and TiO(2)/UV

In this work, the active carbon adsorption and TiO(2)/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 TiO(2) promoted photochemical decolorization the process parameters were: TiO(2) 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 TiO(2)/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 TiO(2)/UV decolorization indicated an increase of efficiency from 36.63% (corresponding to 1 g/L TiO(2) concentration, 60 min irradiation time and 5 cm UV path length) to 46.83% (corresponding to 0.4 g/L TiO(2) 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.