Problems of Describing Complex Sorption Equilibria

Abstract

Problems of choosing a model for describing empirical sorption data in a system consisting of an energetically nonuniform sorbent and a chemically uniform sorbate in the case when the distribution of energetically nonuniform sorption sites in the material is unknown a priori are considered. The advantages and drawbacks of choosing a sorption model adequate to the experimental data on the basis of analysis of variance are analyzed taking into account the estimated boundaries of the minimum necessary accuracy of the primary experimental data. Statistical methods do not always allow unambiguous choice of an adequate model because of limited accuracy of the experimental data. In such cases, the check of the physicochemical consequences of the model is the best argument in favor of its adequacy.