Adsorption and diffusion of propane and propylene in Ag+-impregnated MCM-41

Equilibrium data and diffusion characteristics of propane and propylene were determined on mesoporous adsorbents modified with an organic molecule (APTES) and/or impregnated with AgNO3, in order to obtain a separation by adsorption via pi-complexation. Adsorption capacities were determined by a gravimetric technique, while diffusion characteristics were evaluated by the ZLC technique. The equilibrium isotherms data showed that the modification with an organic molecule will weaken the pi-interaction between Ag+ and double C=C bond. On the other hand slightly higher adsorption capacities for propylene (about 1.5 mol/kg) were obtained for the sample prepared by a direct impregnation with larger amounts of AgNO3 (M4 sample). Diffusion runs confirmed that the propane desorption rate on M4 sample was much higher compared to propylene. This evidence leads to a potential application of that adsorbent material for a kinetic separation.