Study of the CO2 adsorption isotherms on El Hicha clay by statistical physics treatment: microscopic and macroscopic investigation

ABSTRACT

CO₂ introduction in deep aquifers based on adsorption phenomena represents geological tanks that reduce CO₂ emission. Thus, investigating carbon dioxide adsorption on rocks is becoming more interesting. In our work, carbon dioxide adsorption on El Hicha clay is extensively studied. Experimental data for CO₂ adsorption on this clay are given for the first time. All the corresponding parameters are simulated and interpreted using the multilayer model with two interaction energies. The effect of the key parameters involved in the adequate model on the isotherm curves are thus elucidated and interpreted. The formulation of this model is based on statistical physic formalism. Several hypotheses involving some physicochemical parameters which describe perfectly the adsorption process are used.

The characteristic parameters of the adsorption isotherm such as the number of carbon dioxide molecules per site (n), the receptor site densities (N_M), the number of adsorbed layers (N_L) and the energetic parameters (-ε₁) and (-ε₂) are estimated for the studied systems by a nonlinear least square regression. These parameters are discussed and interpreted considering their temperature dependence. In order to provide new macroscopic interpretations of adsorption mechanisms, three thermodynamic functions are also determined such as the entropy, the internal energy and the free enthalpy of Gibbs from experimental data. Thus, we prove theoretically and experimentally that CO₂ adsorption on El Hicha clay is feasible, spontaneous and exothermic in nature.