Optimization of mesoporous alumina sol‐gel synthesis by Taguchi and response surface methodology

Abstract

AbstractTaguchi method (TM) and response surface methodology (RSM) have been employed to optimize three parameters, including the amounts of P123, the amounts of nitric acid and calcination temperature, in order to define an optimal setting for sol‐gel synthesis of high surface area mesoporous alumina powder (MA). Herein, the comparison of the both statistical approaches has been examined and discussed considering the nitrogen adsorption as the response variable because this important character for mesoporous materials is exceedingly sensitive to the synthesis parameters. The BET surface area (SBET) and pore volume of MA under Taguchi optimal condition were 323.5 m2 g−1 and 0.551 cm3 g−1, respectively, by conducting confirmation test. Furthermore, the confirmation test showed high SBET of MA (363.4 m2 g−1), which was in a good agreement with calculated SBET result (431.25 m2 g−1) by a quadratic model under RSM optimal condition. Moreover, 3D response surface plots and 2D contour plots of desirability have been discussed to visualize the influence of input factors on response variable. It is also concluded that RSM shows more appropriate (12.33% higher SBET than TM) and efficient optimal condition with determining a quadratic function as the relationship between SBET and synthesis parameters.