Selection of adsorbents to be used in an ethanol fermentation process. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics

Adsorption equilibrium assays were carried out in order to find adsorbents selective for ethanol to use in a fermentation process. Three hydrophobic adsorbents — silicalite, ZSM-5 and CMS-5A — were tested. Results of adsorption equilibrium at 298 K of ethanol, glucose, fructose and glycerol from aqueous solutions of each single solute are given. Ethanol adsorption isotherms were described by Langmuir-type equations. Some kinetic assays of ethanol adsorption are also presented. The results obtained appear to be useful for practicioners on the fermentation-processes field.