Modified GAB model for correlating multilayer adsorption equilibrium data

• A new multilayer adsorption isotherm is built.
• The new model is found to correlate adsorption data in microporous material well.
• The model extends the applicability of the BET equation.

A new multilayer gas adsorption model is built based on the GAB (Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer) model and L–F isotherm (Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm). Accounting for the heterogeneity of the adsorption system, the adsorption rate is assumed to be ααth power of the surface area as demonstrated in L–F isotherm; the modified GAB model has the same form as that of the GAB equation with the difference lying on the relative pressure form; the nominal relative pressure is the αα th power of the relative pressure. Different adsorption isotherm models are applied to correlate the adsorption data of microporous materials. The modified GAB model has the best conformity with the experimental data and can get almost the same so called “BET monolayer capacity” with that of the original BET equation using consistence criteria. The parameters in the modified GAB model were calculated as well; the non-unity of αα indicated that the heterogeneity of the adsorption system is un-negligible even on the highly homogeneous surface.