CHED 380 |
| The study of acetic acid adsorption process on activated carbon (AC) is a common experiment in traditional physical chemistry lab courses. To realize the importance of the concepts involved in this experiment and to gain insights in the practical applicability of the adsorption process particularly in environmental applications, the same experiment was carried out using powdered tire rubber, PTR, (a not typical adsorbent) instead of activated carbon. The acetic acid was absorbed on the PTR resembling an acid-base reaction. Different to traditional laboratory, the adsorption isotherms were obtained on the basis of pH measurements and the mass action law more than acid-base titration data. Our results showed good correlation with those obtained in typical experiments and promoted discussions that place in context how chemistry could help to solve environmental problems. The experiment might be used as a model of low cost adsorbents, as an alternative to AC, in remediation process. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Chemical Education
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |