Capacitance of Activated Carbon with Ibuprofen Adsorption

Abstract

Ibuprofen (2-(p-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid) is adsorbed strongly onto the surface of commercial activated carbon and is never released thereafter by subsequent immersion in water. The electrochemical responses for the ibuprofen-adsorbed activated carbon electrode can be monitored via cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectrometry. The influence of adsorbed ibuprofen can be extracted. The adsorbed ibuprofen molecules passivate the pore surface of the activated carbon electrode and decrease its capacitance. The capacitance by ibuprofen adsorption remains decreased even after the exposure to a more positive potential.