Simplex optimization of reaction variables in the production of cobalt(III) acetate in a bipolar packed-bed reactor

Abstract

Cobalt(III) acetate production in a bipolar-packed bed reactor was investigated in terms of conversion ratio of Co(II) acetate, current yield and energy consumption. An experimental optimization was performed on the conversion ratio by the use of a sequential simplex method; cell voltage, concentrations of Co(II) acetate and sodium acetate, water content of the solution, temperature and the Faraday number of charge per mole of Co(II) acetate were chosen as reaction variables. The maximum conversion ratio in 36 electrolyses was 71.6% which could not be further improved by changing the levels of the selected variables. A record of the other performance parameters showed that the conditions for the highest conversion ratio were also suitable for satisfactory current and energy yields.