4 - Adsorption at the Liquid–Solid Interface: Thermodynamics and Methodology

Abstract

This chapter provides a general introduction to the adsorption phenomena occurring at the liquid–solid interface. Before considering adsorption proper, it deals with the simpler but interesting case of immersion into a pure liquid, which is essentially studied by microcalorimetry. The experimental procedure, the data processing to assess an immersion energy or enthalpy and a number of applications of immersion microcalorimetry are presented: assessment of surface area and of micropore size, determination of the hydrophobicity of the surface and determination of the wetting angle on the pore walls. Adsorption from solution is then examined from the viewpoints of experimental procedures (determination of the adsorption isotherm, microcalorimetric assessment of the energies involved), interpretation of adsorption and displacement mechanisms and applications.