Optimization of C.I. Basic Yellow 2 removals by peroxi-coagulation process using carbon nanotube-PTFE cathode with response surface methodology

The decolorization of C.I. Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) by peroxi-coagulation process based on carbon nanotube - polytetrafluoroethylene (CNT-PTFE) electrode as cathode was studied in a batch reactor. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to assess individual and interactive effects of the four main independent parameters, electrolysis time, initial pH, applied current and initial dye concentration of the dye solution on the decolorization efficiency and optimizing the operating conditions of the treatment process. A central composite design (CCD) was employed for the optimization of peroxi-coagulation treatment of BY2 dye. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a high coefficient of determination value(R2 = 0.949) and satisfactory prediction second-order regression model was derived. The optimum electrolysis time, initial pH, applied current and initial dye concentration were found to be 16 min, 3, 200 mA and 15 mg l-1, respectively. This study clearly showed that response surface methodology was one of the suitable methods to optimize the operating conditions and maximize the dye removal.