Concerning a Theory of Multilayer Adsorption, with Particular Reference to Adsorbed Helium

Abstract

A discussion is given of adsorption systems where the energy of an atom in the second layer is appreciably larger than the energy of an atom in the liquid. It is shown that low temperature films of helium will correspond to this model, rather than the model leading to the B.E.T. equation. It follows that the ``anomalous'' adsorption properties of helium have been inferred from unreal parameters which are a result of the application of the B.E.T. theory. An alternate method of analysis based on a more realistic model is proposed. When a typical case is treated in this manner, reasonable values for the parameters in question result.