High-Efficiency Removal of Copper and Nickel via Donnan Dialysis Using Fujifilm Cation-Exchange Membranes: Process Optimization Through Response Surface Methodology

This study investigates the simultaneous removal of copper and nickel ions from aqueous solutions using Donnan dialysis (DD), with process optimization performed through Response Surface Methodology (RSM). An initial screening identified the most effective counter-ion, guiding the experimental design toward optimal ion removal. Comparative experiments using Fujifilm Type 1 and Type 2 cation-exchange membranes revealed the superior performance of Type 1 for both metals, as confirmed by FTIR-ATR spectroscopic analysis of membrane morphology. A comprehensive experimental campaign based on a Central Composite Design (CCD) evaluated the effects of copper, nickel, and sodium ion concentrations on removal efficiency. Under optimized conditions—80 mg/L Cu2+, 100 mg/L Ni2+, and 0.06 mol/L Na+—the Fujifilm Type 1 membrane achieved remarkable removal rates of 99.67 ± 0.21% for copper and 98.85 ± 0.34% for nickel. These values were experimentally validated (99.45 ± 0.18% and 98.71 ± 0.27%, n = 3), showing excellent agreement between predicted and observed data and confirming the robustness of the optimized Donnan dialysis process. Overall, the results highlight Donnan dialysis as a highly efficient and environmentally sustainable approach for the removal and recovery of heavy metals from aqueous solutions using Fujifilm cation-exchange membranes.