To DoE or not to DoE? A Technical Review on & Roadmap for Optimisation of Carbonaceous Adsorbents and Adsorption Processes

Abstract

Design of experiment (DoE) techniques are invaluable tools which readily allow for efficient optimisation of processes via simultaneous evaluation of a combination of input parameters. Such approaches can yield positive outcomes whilst minimising the number of resources and amount of time utilised, hence, achieving a more robust approach. Additionally, when designing the experiment intelligently information about the interaction between the variables could be gathered, therefore, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the process and identification of the “key players”. This method of conducting an experimental campaign is, unfortunately, underused (or often misused) in academia. This review aims to technically scrutinise the employment of design of experiment techniques in the context of synthesis and deployment of carbonaceous sorbents and the optimisation of the adsorption processes in both gaseous and aqueous media for environmental applications. We have also discussed how the implementation of DoE techniques in interpreting the results and the underlying trends and/or adsorption mechanisms could help with a better understanding of such observations. Additionally, a brief description of the most popular experimental design techniques with an explanation and a simple visualisation is provided. This review aims to facilitate a greater understanding and appreciation of these powerful optimisation tools, and to depict the best practices upon their employment in academic research in the field of chemical and environmental engineering.

Keywords

• Activation
• Adsorbent
• Adsorption
• Carbon
• Design of Experiments
• DoE