On numerical classification of solution adsorption isotherms.

To numerically classify solution adsorption isotherms, a difference or deviation measure, DS(mc) (the relative difference between two sums of the adsorption maximum's characteristics of selectivity isotherms x 100), is derived. The measure is applicable to completely miscible binary solutions on solids. This quantity evaluates the difference between an adsorption system and the ideal adsorption system (ideal adsorbed and bulk phases, homogeneous surface, and equal molar area solution components) at the point of maximum adsorption. For model systems, DS(mc)s are calculated at several levels of surface heterogeneity (Gaussian distribution of surface energy) and for different signs of phase nonideality (regular solution phases) on a homogeneous surface and on a simple two-site-type heterogeneous surface. All heterogeneous surfaces have negative DS(mc) values, but nonideal phases have DS(mc)s with signs opposite to the sign of deviation from Raoult's law. DS(mc)s from both U- and S-shape isotherms are reported for 16 experimental systems consisting of hydrocarbon mixtures and both alcohol + hydrocarbon and alcohol + water solutions or acetone + carbon tetrachloride on several silica gels and a variety of carbons.