SPC Software / Capability Surface Area and Pore Size Analyzers
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Surface area and pore size analyzers are specialized instruments used to measure various properties of solid materials. These properties include pore distribution, pore volume, specific surface area, and total surface area. The analyzers are capable of determining the frequency of pore occurrence, the average volume of pores, and the specific surface area of powdered samples by assessing the physical adsorption of a gas on the solid's surface.
Working Principle
Surface area and pore size analyzers operate by first preparing the solid samples through a combination of heat, vacuum, and/or flowing gas to remove any adsorbed contaminants. The sample is then cooled, typically to cryogenic temperatures, under vacuum conditions. An adsorptive gas, often nitrogen, is introduced to the sample in controlled increments. The pressure within the analyzer equilibrates after each dose, allowing for the calculation of the gas volume adsorbed. This process defines an adsorption isotherm, from which the quantity of gas required to form a monolayer over the solid's surface and its pores is determined. The known area covered by each adsorbed gas molecule enables the calculation of the surface area. This method is useful for understanding the material's surface characteristics and pore structure, which are critical for various industrial applications.
Applications
Surface area and pore size analyzers are used in a variety of industries. For example, in the catalyst industry, these analyzers help determine the active metal surface area and percent metal dispersion, which are crucial for catalyst efficiency. They are also employed in the battery industry for analyzing the size and shape of metallic particles, which can influence battery performance and longevity.
Advantages over other Surface Area and Pore Size Analyzers
One advantage of certain surface area and pore size analyzers is their ability to automatically determine active metal surface area and percent metal dispersion, which is particularly beneficial for catalyst materials. This automation reduces the potential for human error and increases the efficiency of the analysis process.
Limitations
A limitation of surface area and pore size analyzers is the requirement for sample preparation, which involves removing contaminants and cooling the sample to cryogenic temperatures. This process can be time-consuming and may require specialized equipment and conditions, such as high vacuum and controlled temperature environments.
Considerations
When considering the purchase and operation of surface area and pore size analyzers, several factors should be taken into account. Initial costs can be significant, especially for advanced models with automated features. Operating expenses may include the cost of consumables like gases and the energy required for maintaining cryogenic temperatures. Durability and accuracy are critical, as these instruments must withstand rigorous conditions while providing precise measurements. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be considered, as regular calibration and servicing are necessary to ensure optimal performance.
from Quantachrome Instruments
The AutoFlow BET+ ™ is a fully automated state-of-the-art dynamic flow system designed to enable an extremely rapid evaluation of the surface areas of solid samples. Single-point or multi-point determination of surface areas using different standard methods (such as BET and STSA) is easily... [See More]
- Display & Special Features: Benchtop or Laboratory; Digital; PC Interface / Networkable; SPC Software or Capability
- Total Surface Area Range: 0.0100
- Properties Analyzed: Total Surface Area
- Test Media: Wood / Wood Product
from Micromeritics
Micromeritics ’ Gemini VII 2390 Series of surface area analyzers rapidly and reliably produces accurate and repeatable surface area and porosity results. Their low cost, speed, simplicity of use, reliability, and ruggedness have earned the Gemini a place in laboratories worldwide as an... [See More]
- Display & Special Features: Benchtop or Laboratory; Digital; PC Interface / Networkable; SPC Software or Capability
- Test Media: Adhesives/Sealants; Ceramics; Chemicals; Food / Beverage; Fuel / Fuel Materials; Foam / Porous Materials; Powders; Catalyst
- Properties Analyzed: Specific Surface Area; Total Surface Area
- Methods, Technology & Standards: Flowing Gas Method
from Quantachrome Instruments
The PoreMaster ® GT Series —. fully automated, high-performance mercury porosimeters that offer two high-pressure and two low-pressure analysis ports to meet the pore size measurement needs of the busiest laboratories. In addition to "two samples in a single loading, " (patented)... [See More]
- Display & Special Features: Benchtop or Laboratory; PC Interface / Networkable; SPC Software or Capability
- Pore Diameter Range: 36 to 106600
- Properties Analyzed: Pore Size or Densometry; Pore Volume or Porosimetry
- Test Media: Powders; Powders, Bulk Solids
from Micromeritics
The Tristar ® II 3020 provides high-quality surface area and porosity measurements on solid materials by using the technique of gas adsorption. The TriStar II is a fully automated, three-station analyzer capable of increasing the speed and efficiency of quality control analyses, with the... [See More]
- Display & Special Features: PC Interface / Networkable; SPC Software or Capability
- Test Media: Adhesives/Sealants; Ceramics; Food / Beverage; Foam / Porous Materials; Geological (Rock, Strata, etc.); Powders; Catalyst
- Properties Analyzed: Pore Volume or Porosimetry; Specific Surface Area; Total Surface Area
- Methods, Technology & Standards: Flowing Gas Method
from Quantachrome Instruments
The PoreMaster series consists of three automatic mercury intrusion porosimeters offering new concepts in automated pore size analysis.The PoreMaster 33 porosimeter achieves a maximum pressure of 33,000 psia for pore size measurements in the range from over 1100* micron to 0.0064 micron pore... [See More]
- Display & Special Features: Benchtop or Laboratory; PC Interface / Networkable; SPC Software or Capability; Video
- Pore Diameter Range: 36 to 106600
- Properties Analyzed: Pore Volume or Porosimetry
- Test Media: Powders; Powders, Pellets, Bulk Solids
from Micromeritics
Micromeritics' TriStar II PLUS is a state-of-the-art instrument suited for use in both quality control and research .environments. Intended for laboratories that require high throughput and the highest quality data, it contains all the capabilities of the TriStar II with additional hardware and... [See More]
- Display & Special Features: Benchtop or Laboratory; PC Interface / Networkable; SPC Software or Capability
- Test Media: Adhesives/Sealants; Ceramics; Food / Beverage; Foam / Porous Materials; Geological (Rock, Strata, etc.); Powders; Catalyst
- Properties Analyzed: Pore Volume or Porosimetry; Specific Surface Area; Total Surface Area
- Methods, Technology & Standards: Flowing Gas Method
from Quantachrome Instruments
The new QUADRASORB evo ™ Gas Sorption Surface Area and Pore Size Analyzer has been designed for flexibility, performance, accuracy, and modularity. It will adapt to your lab ’s evolving material characterization needs, both through the day, and over the years. If you start an analysis in... [See More]
- Display & Special Features: Benchtop or Laboratory; PC Interface / Networkable; SPC Software or Capability
- Total Surface Area Range: 0.0100
- Properties Analyzed: Pore Distribution; Pore Volume or Porosimetry; Total Surface Area
- Test Media: Powders
from Quantachrome Instruments
INTRODUCTION. Autosorb ® 6iSA ™ surface area and pore size analyzer allows a researcher to get a 360 degree perspective of the complex material pore structure enabling a variety of analysis techniques including adsorption isotherms, desorption isotherms, single point BET, multi-point BET,... [See More]
- Display & Special Features: Benchtop or Laboratory; PC Interface / Networkable; SPC Software or Capability
- Total Surface Area Range: 0.0100
- Properties Analyzed: Pore Volume or Porosimetry; Total Surface Area
from Quantachrome Instruments
Ideal for surface area and mesopore analysis, the iQ-AG is available in up to three-station versions and provides an easy upgrade path to high vacuum, low pressure and chemisorption capabilities should your needs change. Usable with nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide and a host of other gases... [See More]
- Display & Special Features: Benchtop or Laboratory; PC Interface / Networkable; SPC Software or Capability
- Test Media: Powders
- Properties Analyzed: Pore Volume or Porosimetry; Total Surface Area
from Quantachrome Instruments
When bench space is at a premium and maximum capability is essential. The only combined chemisorption-physisorption manometric analyzer that features built-in degassing stations and optional second and third physisorption ports. Built-in flow options put this model even further ahead of the field. [See More]
- Display & Special Features: Benchtop or Laboratory; PC Interface / Networkable; SPC Software or Capability
- Test Media: Powders
- Properties Analyzed: Pore Volume or Porosimetry; Total Surface Area