Adsorption and Diffusion Characteristics of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene Vapors on Activated Carbon and Zeolite 13X

Abstract

Adsorption equilibrium and intraparticle diffusion characteristics of benzene, toluene, and xylene vapors on activated carbon and zeolite 13X were investigated. Static adsorption experiments were carried out under the pressure range of 0.01 similar to 0.07 bar while changing the adsorption temperature to 293.15 K, 303.15 K, and 313.15 K, respectively. Adsorption equilibrium was analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich and Toth models. The adsorption energy was 5.26 similar to 31.0 kJ/mol representing physical adsorption characteristics. The maximum adsorption capacity on activated carbon was the largest for benzene, and the smallest for xylene. Toluene was in between. In the case of zeolite 13X, the maximum adsorption capacity was the largest for xylene, and the smallest for benzene as opposed to activated carbon. The effective diffusion coefficients of gas adsorbate were measured to be about 10(-5) similar to 10(-4) cm(2)/s, and increased with temperature. As the pressure increased, the effective diffusion coefficients were decreased. The dependence of effective diffusion coefficients on temperature and pressure was greater in zeolite 13X particles than in activated carbon. Therefore, it is necessary to express the diffusion coefficients as a function of pressure in order to predict the precise dynamic behavior of the adsorption process using zeolite 13X where the pressure fluctuation occurs abruptly.