Enthalpies of adsorption of methylene blue and crystal violet to montmorillonite

Calorimetric measurements of the enthalpy of adsorption on montmorillonite indicate different patterns for methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV). The enthalpy of adsorption of MB is endothermic up to 73% of the cation exchange capacity (CEC) (i.e., about 0.6 mmol g-1 clay), whereas at higher adsorption ratios the adsorption reaction becomes exothermic. The enthalpy of adsorption of CV is exothermic for all amounts adsorbed. These results were confirmed with adsorption experiments that prove that adsorption of MB increase with temperature, whereas CV adsorption decreases. This behavior indicates changes in the equilibrium coefficient according to Van't Hoff's equation.