Sorption of organic molecules by graphitic acid and methylated graphitic acid: A preliminary study

Abstract

Interlamellar sorption complexes formed by graphitic acid and methylated graphitic acid have been studied. The latter forms complexes less readily with amines, more readily with fatty acids; for nitriles and alcohols the differences are minor. We believe this is due to the reduction in the acid nature on methylation. An important role in sorption is also ascribed to the number of active points per unit area of substrate. A liquid-solid transition is believed to occur in the sorbed film. Evidence is presented that the states concerned are not as sharply demarcated as for the free substance, and that the transition may occur at a lower temperatue for the sorbed film than the free substance. Mixtures of similar substances (amines) give a linear variation of interlayer spacing with composition. Mixtures of dissimilar substances may give complicated curves for this variation, from which conclusions may be drawn regarding the segregation (de-mixing) of sorbed molecules.