Abstract
THERE is a difference of opinion regarding the behaviour of charcoal as a gas electrode in explaining its hydrolytic adsorption (Frumkin, Schilow). It has been suggested alternatively that acidic or basic oxides formed during activation are responsible for such adsorption, and that charcoal is a negative adsorbent possessing a negative charge in water (Schilow). On the gas electrode theory, charcoal should be positively charged and adsorb acids. Negatively charged oxygen charcoal which adsorbs alkali is known. Both positively and negatively charged charcoals are possible. A relationship between the electric charge, as measured electrokinetically, and the hydrolytic adsorption of either acid or alkali has been pointed out, and it was suggested1 that ‘acid’ adsorbing activated sugar charcoal would be positively charged. Negatively charged charcoal with hydrogen or weakly basic cations in the mobile sheet of the double layer should adsorb alkali and liberate acid from a neutral chloride solution. This relationship between the sign of the charge and hydrolytic adsorption has been confirmed with charcoal.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
J. Indian Chem. Sac., 2, 219; 1925.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MUKHERJEE, J., ROYCHOUDHURY, S. Hydrolytic Adsorption of Activated Charcoal. Nature 128, 412 (1931). https://doi.org/10.1038/128412a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/128412a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.