Sorption studies of chromosorb porous polymers and their potential use in passive monitors

Abstract

The sorptive behaviour of Chromosorb Century series porous polymers has been investigated using nitrogen, octane, benzene and trichloroethylene sorptives. Similar data have been obtained for the carbons used in commercially available passive monitors. The Chromosorbs, in many instances, show a significantly higher surface area with organic sorptives than with nitrogen but the carbons generally exhibit the highest surface area with nitrogen adsorbate. The data are interpreted in terms of a partition mechanism operating in addition to adsorption. It is suggested that this effect could indicate potential advantages of using Chromosorbs rather than carbons in passive monitors; in particular, it may help to reduce any losses by desorption from the surface during sampling.