Comments on the calculation of the standard equilibrium constant using the Langmuir model in Journal of Hazardous Materials 422 (2022) 126863

J Hazard Mater. 2022 May 5:429:128407. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128407. Epub 2022 Feb 1.

Abstract

The calculation of equilibrium constant from the Langmuir model is widely used in the literature. However, the dimensional problem of the equilibrium constant has often been ignored. For example, a recent publication on the strong properties of the new adsorbent for tetracycline. Nevertheless, this used an improper calculation of the standard equilibrium constant, confusing solute and solution. This creates dimension for K0 obtained from Eq. (13). Unfortunately, K0 should be dimensionless. In this comment, the origin and background of this kind of error is analyzed and the method for correcting the error is presented. Specifically, we establish a clear relationship between the Langmuir constant (KL) and the standard equilibrium constant (K0). We hope this comment clarifies the essence of calculating the standard equilibrium constant by using the Langmuir model, so others avoid the propagation of this kind of error.

Keywords: Comment; Langmuir model; The standard equilibrium constant; Thermodynamic parameters.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Hazardous Substances*

Substances

  • Hazardous Substances