USE OF ADSORPTION-ISOTHERMS OF LIGHT NORMAL ALKANES FOR CHARACTERIZING MICROPOROUS ACTIVATED CARBONS

Adsorption isotherms of light normal alkanes on three different activated carbons were measured and compared with benzene adsorption isotherms on these carbons. Analysis by means of the Dubinin-Radushkevich equation revealed the utility of the adsorption isotherms of ethane, propane, and n-butane for describing the microporosity of activated carbons. On the basis of these studies, we recommend that n-butane be used as a reference adsorbate for characterization of microporous activated carbons.