A Pseudo-Second Order Kinetic Equation for Sorption Processes

Abstract

The problem of substantiating a pseudo-second order equation in the kinetics of sorption processes is considered. A simple way is presented of transforming the Langmuir kinetic equation written for a process within a limited volume into a polynomial relation in the form of the sum of difference terms of first- and second-order kinetic equations. It is shown that such a relation is reduced to a good approximation of a pseudo-second order equation over a much wider range of conditions determined by the equilibrium and kinetic characteristics of the sorbent and the experimental parameters than was predicted earlier. It is established that the errors of such a theoretical approximation are either negligible or do not exceed the corresponding errors at the initial stage of kinetic experiments within a confined space. It is concluded that the applicability of the pseudo-second order model is independent of the mechanisms determining the rate of sorption and does not require concepts of chemisorption or special equations of kinetics controlled via chemical reactions or diffusion.