The electrical conductivity of carbon-fibre adsorbents: An attempt to discriminate between chemisorption and physisorption of chlorine

Electrical conductivity measurements have been utilised to discriminate between physisorption and chemisorption of chlorine on carbon. Exposure of oxygen-free carbon filaments to chlorine at low temperatures always increases the conductivity. At high temperatures conductivity rapidly increases at first, then drops to a much slower rate. Equilibrium values of the electrical conductivity at high temperatures are lower than those of the bare samples, but increase at higher coverages. The results can readily be interpreted if it is assumed that Cl₂ physisorption increases the conductivity. Electrical conductivity measurements can thus serve as a tool for discrimination between chlorine chemisorption and physisorption.