Adsorption and diffusion of linear and dibranched C6 paraffins in a ZSM-5 zeolite

The adsorption of n-hexane and 2,2-dimethylbutane on a commercial ZSM-5 zeolite is studied under isothermal and isobaric conditions. ZSM-5 exhibits two different behaviours with linear and dibranched alkanes. A substep at 4 molec.uc−1 is observed on the adsorption isotherm of n-hexane at 348 K. A singular adsorption-desorption process is evidenced on the adsorption isobar at 5.5 kPa with 2,2-dimethylbutane at a temperature close to 343 K when the sample is activated at 298 K under vacuum. The diffusivities have been determined by fitting directly the uptake curves with a numerical resolution of second Fick's law based on finite difference method. Microporous diffusion seems to be rate limit…