Optimization of photocatalytic production of hydrogen from hydrogen sulfide in alkaline solution using response surface methodology

In this paper, statistics-based experimental design with response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the effects of operation conditions on photocatalytic production of Hydrogen from Hydrogen sulfide in alkaline solution. Initially, the Box–Behnken design was employed including the three key variables (concentration of sulfide ion, pH and amount of catalyst). Thereafter, the mutual interaction and effects between parameters and optimum conditions were obtained in greater detail by means of Statease Design expert Software. The results of this investigation reveal that (i) Regression analysis with R2 value of 99.56 shows a close fit between the experimental results and the model predictions; (2) Contour plot can provide a good manner for visualizing the parameter interactions; (3) Optimum concentration of sulfide ion; pH and catalyst amount is found to be 3.9 g/L, 11.3, 500 mg/L respectively, and the highest conversion efficiency of 24.93% can be achieved.

Research highlights
► RSM was employed for the optimization of photocatalytic H2 production.
► Effects of concentration of sulfide ion, pH and catalyst amount were investigated.
► Contour plot can provide a good manner for visualizing the parameter interactions.
► This methodology is adequate for the design and optimization of the process.