Porosity of silica gels by thermal desorption of liquids

Abstract

Thermal desorption of liquids was measured using a derivatograph. Alcohols and aliphatic hydrocarbons were used as liquid adsorbates. Pore size distribution curves of silica gels were determined on the basis of thermogravimetric curves using the Kelvin equation. Calculated distributions and total pore volumes were compared with those obtained from the nitrogen method and mercury porosimetry. The influence of heating programs on the shape of the distribution curves is discussed.