Ammonia adsorption and its adsorbents

Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. It is highly soluble in water and can also be adsorbed by certain materials. The correct answer to the given question is option 'C', which states that charcoal can adsorb ammonia.

Explanation:

Adsorption:
Adsorption is the process by which molecules of a substance adhere to the surface of a solid or liquid. It is different from absorption, where one substance is taken up into the bulk of another substance. In adsorption, the adsorbate (ammonia in this case) accumulates on the surface of the adsorbent (charcoal).

Charcoal as an adsorbent:
Charcoal is a highly porous material with a large surface area due to its unique structure. It consists of carbon and has a network of interconnected pores and voids. These pores provide a large surface area for the adsorption of gases and vapors, including ammonia.

Ammonia adsorption by charcoal:
Charcoal has a strong affinity for ammonia due to its ability to form weak chemical bonds with the gas molecules. The porous structure of charcoal provides numerous sites for the adsorption of ammonia molecules. When ammonia gas comes into contact with charcoal, it gets trapped in the pores and adheres to the surface.

Uses of ammonia adsorption by charcoal:
1. Air purification: Charcoal is commonly used in air purifiers and filters to remove ammonia and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. The adsorption process helps in removing the harmful gases and improving air quality.

2. Water treatment: Charcoal is also used in water treatment processes to remove ammonia from water sources. It can be used in water filters or as a component of activated carbon filters to adsorb ammonia and other contaminants.

3. Chemical industry: Charcoal is used as an adsorbent in various chemical processes, such as gas separation and purification. It can selectively adsorb ammonia from gas mixtures, allowing for the separation and purification of ammonia.

In conclusion, charcoal is an effective adsorbent for ammonia due to its porous structure and large surface area. It can be used in various applications, including air purification, water treatment, and chemical processes.