Static equilibrium studies on separation of dichlorobenzene isomers on binder-free hydrophobic adsorbent of MFI type zeolite

The static equilibrium of dichlorobenzene mixture in liquid phase was studied on a binder-free MFI zeolite adsorbent, which possesses Si-O framework intact with high hydrophobicity. The selectivity factor for p-/o-dichlorobenzene determined is 12.31. A series of desorbents matched with the adsorbent, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, mono-chlorobenzene and p-diethylbenzene, were investigated as well. The adsorbent can be regenerated and used without controlling the content of water. The isotherms of each dichlorobenzene isomer and the desorbents show the adsorption characteristics of Langmuir type. The saturation adsorption capacities of the adsorbates on the adsorbent were determined. No adsorption of m-dichlorobenzene was found. The competitive adsorption curves of multi-component feed were also investigated. The high shape-selectivity of separation is related to the special structure characters of the zeolite in the adsorbent. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.