Benzene Adsorption in Microporous Materials

Abstract

The adsorption behaviour of benzene in silicalite-1, AlPO4-5 and EU-1 has been investigated using gravimetric techniques and molecular simulation methods. For the one-dimensional, 12-membered ring (MR) channels of AlPO4-5 and the unidirectional, 10-MR channels with 12-MR side pockets of EU-1, the isotherms of benzene show simple type I behaviour. For the three dimensional 10-MR channels of silicalite-1, an anomalous behaviour of the benzene molecules sorbed has been observed. Two steps at loadings of ca. 4 and 6 molecules per unit cell [m.(u.c.)−1], respectively, and an hysteresis loop between loadings from 6 to 8 m.(u.c.)−1 can be found in the isotherms of this system. These stepped isotherms can be classified as showing type VI isotherm behaviour but in this system the reasons behind the steps are of a new and novel nature. These abnormal adsorption properties have been ascribed to the subtle interplay of increased sorbate-sorbate interactions and decreases in the entropy of sorption due to the energetically heterogeneous surfaces which are present in silicalite-1. The composition and structure of the silicalite-1 samples also play an important role on the adsorption properties of this system.