A recently developed universal isotherm model was used in this work for the study of zirconium-added mesoporous silicas, focusing on the dehydration of low humidity gaseous streams. This modeling was chosen for its capability of calculating an energy distribution profile of the adsorption sites. This study was based on a systematic approach to evaluate three variables: the amount of zirconium substitution; the density of hydroxyl groups; and the volume of micropores. These variables were assessed using experimental techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, nitrogen and water adsorption. The modeling was capable of identifying correctly the dynamics of the adsorption process and translated the physical phenomena governing the parameters investigated. Results showed that the amount of zirconium plays an important role on the adsorption site with highest energy (first group), while micropore volume has a stronger influence on the second group due to the pore size (0.8–2 nm). These conclusions were only possible using the proposed approach, since the direct observation of isotherms did not show any clear tendency. The methodology presented here has the potential to be applied to diverse adsorbent-adsorbate pairs, and opens a new field of exploration for the study and optimization of adsorption processes.

中文翻译：

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使用新型通用等温线模型评估含锆介孔二氧化硅的表面能

在这项工作中，最近开发的通用等温线模型用于研究添加锆的介孔二氧化硅，重点是低湿度气流的脱水。选择该模型是因为其具有计算吸附位点的能量分布曲线的能力。这项研究基于系统的方法来评估三个变量：锆取代量；羟基的密度；和微孔的体积。使用诸如傅里叶变换红外光谱，能量分散光谱，热重分析，氮和水吸附的实验技术评估这些变量。该模型能够正确识别吸附过程的动力学，并转化控制所研究参数的物理现象。结果表明，锆的含量在能量最高的吸附位点上起着重要的作用（第一组），而微孔体积由于孔径（0.8–2 nm）而对第二组的影响更大。这些结论只有使用建议的方法才有可能，因为等温线的直接观察没有显示任何明显的趋势。本文介绍的方法学有可能应用于各种吸附剂-吸附剂对，并为研究和优化吸附工艺开辟了新的探索领域。因为直接观察等温线没有显示任何明显的趋势。本文介绍的方法学有可能应用于各种吸附剂-吸附剂对，并为研究和优化吸附工艺开辟了一个新的探索领域。因为直接观察等温线没有显示任何明显的趋势。本文介绍的方法学有可能应用于各种吸附剂-吸附剂对，并为研究和优化吸附工艺开辟了一个新的探索领域。