Mercury Porosimetry

The surface area, pore volume (total and specific) and their size distributions in the range of meso- and macropores for catalysts, carriers and sorbents can be measured using the mercury porosimetry method via AutoPore IV 9510 automatic analyzer (Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, USA). As a result of measurements, a standard report is generated, including data for modelling the pore size distribution.

The sample is dried at a temperature of 200 ° C for 2 hours before the test. The temperature and time of heat treatment can be changed by agreement with the customer.

The porous structure of solid materials (catalysts, carriers, sorbents and other porous materials) is determined by the presence of pores of various diameters: macro (>50 nm), meso (2 - 50 nm) and micro (< 2 nm) and their volume).

The volume of micro- and mesopores in samples of catalysts and carriers is calculated from isotherms of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption.

To determine the total and specific volumes of pores with a radius of 3 nm – 360 microns, the method of mercury porosimetry is used. The method is based on the principle that for the indentation of a non-wetting liquid (mercury), an excess pressure must be applied, the value of which is proportional to the size of the pore. In addition to the pore volume of the sample (in cm3/g), this method can be used to obtain data for constructing the pore size distribution. Mercury porosimetry refers to destructive methods of analysis, because in the process of measurement, the pressure reaches values of about 4 thousand. atmospheres, which can lead to deformation of samples and, in some cases, to their destruction.

Measuring the detailed characteristics of the porous structure of samples allows to determine the quality of the porous material during production and development.