Last modified: 2017-10-17
Abstract
In this study, detailed procedure for adsorption measurement using gravimetric technique and different advancements are presented. The gravimetric technique is based on the mass measurement of sample before and after adsorption takes place and provides the direct measurement of gas uptake. It determines the maximum amount of gas that an adsorbent material can hold at various pressures. It also provides desorption characteristics of various materials and gases. Magnetic suspension balance (MSB) is used for weighing purpose which provides contactless and accurate measurements of small changes in mass, continuously. The contactless weighing of the sample makes the system suitable for extreme operating conditions such as toxic atmospheres and high pressures. Typically, the sample is weighed at a constant temperature by varying the pressure of gas and the measured mass changes provide the amount of gas adsorbed which is then illustrated as adsorption isotherm. The measurement procedure of gravimetric adsorption technique consists of four major steps that are blank measurement, reactivation of sample, buoyancy correction, and adsorption measurement. In blank measurement some inert gas such as helium is used without any sample to measure the weight of the sample container. The reactivation of sample is carried out at vacuum and desired reactivation temperature which depends on the material being used. The density measurement is done for the buoyancy correction. The adsorption measurement of the working gas is then carried out and is recorded for different predefined pressures at a constant temperature. This technique is well suitable for both pure as well as multicomponent adsorption.