AN ENERGY-DISTRIBUTED MODEL FOR ADSORPTION-KINETICS IN LARGE HETEROGENEOUS MICROPOROUS PARTICLES

In this paper, we present a new model for describing adsorption and desorption of gaseous adsorbate into large microporous particles. The principal feature of this model is that it allows for the energy distribution of adsorption site in both equilibrium isotherm and surface diffusion of the adsorbed species. The model is valid for large microporous particles, where all controlling mass transfer resistances are along the particle coordinate. Parametric study is carried out to show the effect of the energy distribution on the dynamics of adsorption and desorption. The effects of other parameters such as external bulk adsorbate concentration and maximum adsorption capacity are also studied. Finally, experimental data of adsorption of hydrocarbons (ethane and n-butane) and sulphur dioxide in an Ajax activated carbon are applied to demonstrate the potential of this theory.