Displacement processes on hydrophilic/hydrophobic surfaces in 1-propanol-water mixtures

Selective adsorption of 1-propanol-water mixtures was investigated on adsorbents of various surface character. The enthalpy of displacement of 1-propanol by water was studied on graphitized PRINTEX-80, K-60 silicagel, and n-alkylammonium vermiculites. The free enthalpy and entropy isotherms of displacement were derived. The adsorption between the silicate layers of hydrophobic vermiculites was followed by x-ray measurements, and thermodynamic functions were calculated for the structural changes in the adsorption layers. Formation of alcohol-water clusters on the surfaces plays an important role.