Some consideration triggered by misquotation of Temkin model and the derivation of its correct form
Xueyong Zhou, Rehanguli Maimaitiniyazi, Yongji Wang
Abstract
Accuracy of quotations is very important for the transmission of scientific knowledge, whereas the misquotations may significantly diminish the academic value of the paper. Recently, Sulyman et al. (2021) published a high academic paper to reveal the adsorption of crystal violet from aqueous solution by a new composite adsorbent in Arabian Journal of Chemistry (2021) 14, 103115. However, the Temkin isotherm was misquoted, which triggered some consideration on the correct form of Temkin model. The present study reviews the original Temkin model proposed by Mikhail I. Temkin in the 1930s, and derives the correct Temkin model by using the adsorption theory. The most striking feature of the Temkin model in its correct form is that the dimensions on both sides are consistent and dimensionless, and the unit of adsorption heat parameter (bT) is J/mol. Unfortunately, the dimensions of the Temkin model widely cited in the literature are imbalanced, and the unit of bT is confusing. If there is a quotation error in a published paper, it may mislead readers. This comment can deepen readers' understanding of the Temkin model, avoiding the misuse and propagation of its wrong form.