Question
Chemistry Question on Surface Chemistry
Which can adsorb larger volume of hydrogen gas ?
finely divided platinum
Finely divided nickel
Colloidal Fe(OH)3
Colloidal solution of Palladium
Colloidal solution of Palladium
Solution
The adsorption of hydrogen gas by a substance depends on its surface area and the nature of the surface. Finely divided and colloidal substances generally have larger surface areas compared to their bulk counterparts, making them more effective at adsorbing gases.
Palladium is known for its high hydrogen adsorption capacity, and a colloidal solution of Palladium has a large surface area due to the fine particle size.
Therefore, a colloidal solution of Palladium is expected to adsorb a larger volume of hydrogen gas compared to the other options.
Finely divided platinum (option A) and finely divided nickel (option B) can also adsorb hydrogen gas to some extent due to their high surface areas. However, Palladium has a higher affinity for hydrogen adsorption.
Colloidal Fe(OH)3 (option C) is not known for its significant hydrogen adsorption capabilities. It may have some adsorption capacity, but it is not as efficient as Palladium.
Therefore, option (D) Colloidal solution of Palladium is the most likely to adsorb a larger volume of hydrogen gas.