What are the factors which influence the adsorption of a gas on a solid?
The factors which influence the adsorption of a gas on a solid are as follows :
(i) The nature of the gas: Easily liquefiable gases such as NH3,HCl, etc., are adsorbed to a great extent. This is because van der Waal's forces are stronger near the critical temperatures
(ii) Surface of the solid: The greater the surface area of the adsorbent, the greater is the adsorption of a gas on the solid surface.
(iii) Effect of pressure: Adsorption is a reversible process and is accompanied by a decrease in pressure. Therefore adsorption increases with an increase in pressure.
(iv) Effect on temperature: Adsorption is an exothermic process. Thus in accordance with Lechateliers's principle, the magnitude of adsorption decreases with an increase in temperature.