Thermodynamically Consistent Equilibrium Adsorption Isotherms for Mixtures of Different-Size Molecules

Elias I. Franses, Faisal A. Siddiqui, Dong June Ahn, Chien Hsiang Chang, Nien Hwa Linda Wang

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19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Simple and general differential criteria are derived for testing equilibrium adsorption isotherms for consistency with the laws of thermodynamics. The generalized Langmuir isotherm (L-model) for binary solutes of different sizes or adsorption capacities fails the test, as previously noted. A consistent isotherm is derived for the first time, by using the framework of the ideal adsorbed solution (IAS) theory of Myers and Prausnitz (AIChE J. 1965, 11, 121). The scaled particle theory isotherms for circular disks are shown to be thermodynamically consistent and to lead to almost identical predictions as an IAS model based on a modified Langmuir isotherm. All models with ideal mixing in the adsorbed solution predict that at high coverages the larger molecules (those with smaller adsorption capacity) are substantially depleted from the surface for steric and entropic reasons. With increasing concentration, the models predict selectivity reversals in cases where the larger molecules are not much more surface active than the smaller molecules.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3177-3183
Number of pages7
JournalLangmuir
Volume11
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1995 Aug 1
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Spectroscopy
  • Electrochemistry

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