Mg ion-exchanged samples were prepared with acid-washed Shengli lignite.The chemical composition of the ash of the raw sample was determined by X-ray fluorescence.The equilibrium adsorption water contents of samples were determined in a range of relative humidity.The ion-exchange process was characterized by FT-IR,ash content,and p H value.A possible mechanism is proposed for equilibrium adsorption water of ion-exchanged samples at different humidities.The extent of ion-exchange reaction between Mg2+and lignite is controlled by the concentration of Mg2+in Mg SO4solution.The effect of Mg2+on equilibrium adsorption water content varies with relative humidity and content of Mg2+.The factor that controls equilibrium adsorption water content at low relative humidity is water interactions with sorption sites,which are Mg2+–carboxyl group complex.At middle relative humidity capillary force between Mg2+–water clusters Mg+(H2O)nand capillary is more important.At high relative humidity,free water–free water interactions are more significant.
