Analysis of Surface Area and Pore Size Distribution
Background to Surface Area and Porosity Analysis
Biochar and other carbonaceous materials obtained after thermochemical modification processes like pyrolysis, torrefaction,
hydrothermal carbonization or gasification typically develop a honey-comb porous configuration.
This very complex network of pores allows these carbonaceous materials to be potentially used to produce: soil amendment; activated carbon;
carbon molecular sieves; catalysts during the production of advanced biofuels; or as media for upgrading the production of biogas.
However, not all pyrolysis processes result in a competitive porous material. This is because there are numerous variables that can impact the porosity of the sample. These include: the type of feedstock, the pretreatment, process conditions, the presence of ash or condensates clogging the pores, and the selected activation method. Therefore, a sample obtained after pyrolysis-like processes needs to be analysed to determine its surface area and pore size distribution in order to reveal the true porous nature of the sample and its most suitable application.
We determine the surface area and pore size distribution of carbonaceous samples using a Quantachrome NOVA-e Series 2200e analyser which has been designed to satisfy the procedures outlined in EBC (2012-2022) 'European Biochar Certificate - Guidelines for a Sustainable Production of Biochar.' European Biochar Foundation (EBC), Arbaz, Switzerland. Version 10.1 from 10th Jan 2022.
However, not all pyrolysis processes result in a competitive porous material. This is because there are numerous variables that can impact the porosity of the sample. These include: the type of feedstock, the pretreatment, process conditions, the presence of ash or condensates clogging the pores, and the selected activation method. Therefore, a sample obtained after pyrolysis-like processes needs to be analysed to determine its surface area and pore size distribution in order to reveal the true porous nature of the sample and its most suitable application.
We determine the surface area and pore size distribution of carbonaceous samples using a Quantachrome NOVA-e Series 2200e analyser which has been designed to satisfy the procedures outlined in EBC (2012-2022) 'European Biochar Certificate - Guidelines for a Sustainable Production of Biochar.' European Biochar Foundation (EBC), Arbaz, Switzerland. Version 10.1 from 10th Jan 2022.
Surface Area Analysis methods
The surface area of the samples is determined by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method which is the most well-known technique for accurate determination of the surface area of
carbonous materials, together with a micropore BET Assistant AI tool that helps us to improve the accuracy of the analysis.
We also determine the pore size distribution of the samples by the Quenched Solid Density Functional Theory (QSDFT) which is a method that, coupled with computer simulations, provides an accurate description of micro- and mesoporous carbons based on the sorption and phase behaviour of fluids in narrow pores on a molecular level. Furthermore, we provide an interpretation of the sample isotherm for supporting the data obtained from the surface area and pore size distribution analysis.
We also determine the pore size distribution of the samples by the Quenched Solid Density Functional Theory (QSDFT) which is a method that, coupled with computer simulations, provides an accurate description of micro- and mesoporous carbons based on the sorption and phase behaviour of fluids in narrow pores on a molecular level. Furthermore, we provide an interpretation of the sample isotherm for supporting the data obtained from the surface area and pore size distribution analysis.
In order to carry out this analysis, as outlined in EBC (2012-2022), we need to mill the sample to a particle size below 3.15 mm and dry it overnight at 40 °C,
followed by a degassing procedure carried out under vacuum for 2 hours at 150 °C. After the samples have been degassed, we start the analysis by measuring the
sample pore volume at relative pressures from 0.05 to 0.35 distributed along 5 points. Nitrogen is used as the adsorbate and liquid nitrogen as the media for keeping
the thermal equilibrium of the experiment.
If the analytical package also includes the pore size distribution of the sample, the pore volume is measured at relative pressures from 0.05 to 0.99 distributed along 20 points for producing a standard isotherm or along 40 points for producing a high-resolution isotherm.
If the analytical package also includes the pore size distribution of the sample, the pore volume is measured at relative pressures from 0.05 to 0.99 distributed along 20 points for producing a standard isotherm or along 40 points for producing a high-resolution isotherm.
Surface Area and Porosity Analysis at Celignis
The analysis can also be done using CO2 as the absorbate for getting an even
higher resolution description of the smallest micropores (less than 1.5nm) which are commonly present in carbonaceous materials, such as biochar
or activated carbons.
At Celignis we provide highly comprehensive reports for the surface-area and porosity analysis of samples. These reports are provided online, on the Celignis Database, as soon as we obtain the results, as well as in detailed Excel and pdf reports that are provided once the order has been completed. The Celignis Database includes interactive charts, like the examples provided on this page, as well as detailed summary statistics. The final reports also incldue these results along with interpretations of the data, personally written by trained members of the Celignis team.
At Celignis we provide highly comprehensive reports for the surface-area and porosity analysis of samples. These reports are provided online, on the Celignis Database, as soon as we obtain the results, as well as in detailed Excel and pdf reports that are provided once the order has been completed. The Celignis Database includes interactive charts, like the examples provided on this page, as well as detailed summary statistics. The final reports also incldue these results along with interpretations of the data, personally written by trained members of the Celignis team.
The analysis packages that cover surface area and porosity analysis are listed below. Click on an a package for further details on it.
Special Offer
Analysis Packages
P8 : Lignin Content
Lignin (Klason), Lignin (Acid Soluble), Acid Insoluble Residue, Ash (Acid Insoluble),
Lignin (Klason), Lignin (Acid Soluble), Acid Insoluble Residue, Ash (Acid Insoluble),
P19 : Deluxe Lignocellulose Package
As P10 plus protein-corrected lignin, water-soluble sugars, uronic acids, acetyl content and starch.
As P10 plus protein-corrected lignin, water-soluble sugars, uronic acids, acetyl content and starch.
P15 : Uronic Acids
Glucuronic Acid, Galacturonic Acid, Mannuronic Acid, Guluronic Acid, 4-O-Methyl-D-Glucuronic Acid,
Glucuronic Acid, Galacturonic Acid, Mannuronic Acid, Guluronic Acid, 4-O-Methyl-D-Glucuronic Acid,
P121 : Evaluation of Biomass for Enzymatic Digestibility
Total Sugars in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Glucose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Xylose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Arabinose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Mannose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Galactose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Rhamnose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Cellobiose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Enzymatic Hydrolysis Kinetics, Cellulose Conversion Yield, Xylan Conversion Yield, Combined Sugar Yield, Cellulose Conversion Rate, Xylan Conversion Rate,
Total Sugars in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Glucose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Xylose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Arabinose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Mannose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Galactose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Rhamnose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Cellobiose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Enzymatic Hydrolysis Kinetics, Cellulose Conversion Yield, Xylan Conversion Yield, Combined Sugar Yield, Cellulose Conversion Rate, Xylan Conversion Rate,
P122 : Evaluation of Pre-Treatment on Enzymatic Digestibility
As P121 plus comparisons with data from the non-pretreated original sample, including: Increase in Cellulose Accessibility after Pre-Treatment, Percent Increase in Cellulose Conversion Efficiency, Percent Increase in Cellulose Conversion Rate.
As P121 plus comparisons with data from the non-pretreated original sample, including: Increase in Cellulose Accessibility after Pre-Treatment, Percent Increase in Cellulose Conversion Efficiency, Percent Increase in Cellulose Conversion Rate.
P123 : Composition of Residue from Enzymatic Hydrolysis
As P9 but on the solid residue after enzymatic hydrolysis.
As P9 but on the solid residue after enzymatic hydrolysis.
P124 : Fermentation Inhibitors in Enzymatic Hydrolysate
Formic Acid, Acetic Acid, Levulinic Acid, Furfural, Hydroxymethylfurfural,
Formic Acid, Acetic Acid, Levulinic Acid, Furfural, Hydroxymethylfurfural,
P125 : Cellulase Saccharification Efficiency
Includes all hydrolysate sugars and kinetics in P121 and: Cellulose Conversion Yield, Cellulose Conversion Rate
Includes all hydrolysate sugars and kinetics in P121 and: Cellulose Conversion Yield, Cellulose Conversion Rate
P126 : Xylanase Saccharification Efficiency
Includes all hydrolysate sugars and kinetics in P121 and: Xylan Conversion Yield, Xylan Conversion Rate
Includes all hydrolysate sugars and kinetics in P121 and: Xylan Conversion Yield, Xylan Conversion Rate
P127 : Amylase Saccharification Efficiency
Total Sugars in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Glucose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Maltose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, a-Amylase Hydrolysis Kinetics, Glucoamylase Hydrolysis Kinetics,
Total Sugars in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Glucose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Maltose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, a-Amylase Hydrolysis Kinetics, Glucoamylase Hydrolysis Kinetics,
P12 : Sugars in Solvent Extract
Glucose, Xylose, Fructose, Sucrose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Xylitol, Sorbitol, Trehalose, Mannitol, Arabinitol, Glycerol, Raffinose,
Glucose, Xylose, Fructose, Sucrose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Xylitol, Sorbitol, Trehalose, Mannitol, Arabinitol, Glycerol, Raffinose,
P22 : Organic Acids and Furans
Levulinic Acid, Formic Acid, Hydroxymethylfurfural, Furfural, Acetic Acid, gamma-Valerolactone,
Levulinic Acid, Formic Acid, Hydroxymethylfurfural, Furfural, Acetic Acid, gamma-Valerolactone,
P24 : Dimers and Trimers from Hemicellulose Hydrolysis
Xylobiose, Xylotriose, Arabinobiose, Arabinotriose,
Xylobiose, Xylotriose, Arabinobiose, Arabinotriose,
P71 : Seaweed Carbohydrates
Fucose, Mannitol, Glucose, Xylose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Total Sugars, Glucuronic Acid, Galacturonic Acid, Mannuronic Acid, Guluronic Acid,
Fucose, Mannitol, Glucose, Xylose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Total Sugars, Glucuronic Acid, Galacturonic Acid, Mannuronic Acid, Guluronic Acid,
P72 : Seaweed Amino Acids
Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Cystine, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tyrosine, Valine,
Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Cystine, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tyrosine, Valine,
P36 : Major Elements
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
P150 : Plant Pigments
Chlorophyll-a, Chlorophyll-b, Lutein, beta-Carotene, Neoxanthin, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Antheraxanthin, Violaxanthin,
Chlorophyll-a, Chlorophyll-b, Lutein, beta-Carotene, Neoxanthin, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Antheraxanthin, Violaxanthin,
P81 : Biomethane Potential - 14 Days
Biomethane Potential (BMP), Total Biogas Volume, Total Solids, Volatile Solids, pH, Biogas Methane Content, Biogas Carbon Dioxide Content, Biogas Oxygen Content, Biogas Hydrogen Sulphide Content, Biogas Ammonia Content,
Biomethane Potential (BMP), Total Biogas Volume, Total Solids, Volatile Solids, pH, Biogas Methane Content, Biogas Carbon Dioxide Content, Biogas Oxygen Content, Biogas Hydrogen Sulphide Content, Biogas Ammonia Content,
P93 : Feedstock Chemical and Biological Analysis
Total Solids, Volatile Solids, pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Phosphorus, Potassium, Ammonia, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur,
Total Solids, Volatile Solids, pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Phosphorus, Potassium, Ammonia, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur,
P61 : Sugars in Bio-Oil Water Extract
Levoglucosan, Cellobiosan, Mannosan, Galactosan, Glucose, Xylose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Fucose, Sucrose, Cellobiose, Total Sugars,
Levoglucosan, Cellobiosan, Mannosan, Galactosan, Glucose, Xylose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Fucose, Sucrose, Cellobiose, Total Sugars,
P63 : Semi-Volatile Oxygenated Components in Bio-Oil
31 constituents including Phenol, Furfural, Syringol, and Vanillin
31 constituents including Phenol, Furfural, Syringol, and Vanillin
P360 : Specific Surface Area (5-Point BET)
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (5 Point Using Nitrogen),
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (5 Point Using Nitrogen),
P364 : Pore-Size Distribution
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (20 Point Using Carbon Dioxide), Pore Volume, Pore Size Distribution,
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (20 Point Using Carbon Dioxide), Pore Volume, Pore Size Distribution,
P366 : Pore Size Distribution Deluxe
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (40 Point Using Nitrogen), Pore Volume, Pore Size Distribution,
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (40 Point Using Nitrogen), Pore Volume, Pore Size Distribution,
P34 : Calorific Value and Elements
Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen,
Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen,
P36 : Major Elements
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
P37 : Minor Elements
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
P42 : Ash Melting Behaviour (Reducing Conditions)
Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing),
Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing),
P393 : Biochar Thermal Properties Deluxe
Moisture, Ash Content (815C), Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Chlorine, Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing),
Moisture, Ash Content (815C), Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Chlorine, Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing),
P394 : Biochar Thermal Properties Ultimate
As P393 plus inorganic carbon, organic carbon, TGA (under nitrogen and air), and inherent moisture
As P393 plus inorganic carbon, organic carbon, TGA (under nitrogen and air), and inherent moisture
P36 : Major Elements
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
P37 : Minor Elements
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
P384 : Biochar Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Anthracene, Benz[a]anthracene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Benzo[ghi]perylene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Chrysene, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene, Fluoranthene, Fluorene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methylnaphthalene, Naphthalene, Phenanthrene, Pyrene,
Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Anthracene, Benz[a]anthracene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Benzo[ghi]perylene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Chrysene, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene, Fluoranthene, Fluorene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methylnaphthalene, Naphthalene, Phenanthrene, Pyrene,
P388 : Biochar Plant Growth Trials
Time to Germination, Mean Shoot Length (Week 1), Mean Shoot Length (Week 2), Mean Shoot Length (Week 3), Mean Shoot Length (Week 4), Shoot Weight (Week 4), Mean Root Length (Week 4), Root Weight (Week 4),
Time to Germination, Mean Shoot Length (Week 1), Mean Shoot Length (Week 2), Mean Shoot Length (Week 3), Mean Shoot Length (Week 4), Shoot Weight (Week 4), Mean Root Length (Week 4), Root Weight (Week 4),
P397 : Biochar Soil Amendment Ultimate
As Deluxe package plus P383, SEM Imaging (P387) and Plant Growth Trials (P388)
As Deluxe package plus P383, SEM Imaging (P387) and Plant Growth Trials (P388)
P399 : Biochar Complete Evaluation Package
Includes everything from P391 (Physical Properties Ultimate), P394 (Thermal Properties Ultimate), and P397 (Soil Amendment Ultimate)
Includes everything from P391 (Physical Properties Ultimate), P394 (Thermal Properties Ultimate), and P397 (Soil Amendment Ultimate)
P34 : Calorific Value and Elements
Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen,
Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen,
P36 : Major Elements
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
P37 : Minor Elements
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
P40 : Combustion Package
Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Moisture, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Chlorine,
Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Moisture, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Chlorine,
P41 : Ash Melting Behaviour (Oxidising Conditions)
Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Deformation Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Flow Temperature (Oxidising),
Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Deformation Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Flow Temperature (Oxidising),
News
Aug 31st 2022
Employee Spotlight - Piotr
Aug 17th 2022
New Article on Biochar Analysis
Read about the wide variety of analysis packages we have for biochar
Click here to read about the different analysis packages that Celignis offers for the evaluation on biochars. These analyses cover properties relevant to a wide variety of applications, including soil amendment, carbon sequestration, bioenergy, and biomaterials.
Read...
Aug 1st 2022
Special Offer on TGA Analysis
For a short period we are offering two TGA analyses for the price of one!
To celebrate the arrival of our thermogravimetric (TGA) equipment, we are offering, for a limited time period, two TGA analyses for the price of one. Click here to read more about TGA analyses at Celignis and to see the various packages on offer.
To avail of this special offer please mention the code (TGA-AUGUST) in an email or when placing an order via the Celignis Database.
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Jun 29th 2022
Short Video by Lalitha on EnXylaScope
This 5 minute presentation was given at the recent IBioIC conference
Celignis recently exhibited at IBioiC's annual conference, held in Glasgow on June 6-7.
During that event Lalitha, Celignis's CIO, gave a short 5 minute presentation on the EnXylaScope collaborative EU research project that Celignis is involved in.
You can view the presentation below or here on YouTube.
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Jun 22nd 2022
CBE-JU Call Opens - See our Pitches for Proposals
We detail the important contributions that Celignis can make in the 2022 topics
Today the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) released their
annual work programme and budget for 2022. There is an indicative budget of 120 million Euros which
will fund a total of 12 topics, comprising 5 Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs), 1 Coordinating and Supporting Action (CSA), 4 Demonstration-Scale projects, and 2 Flagships.
Celignis is a partner in 3 ongoing CBE projects: UNRAVEL
and PERFECOAT are RIA (Research and Innovation Action) projects, whilst VAMOS is an Innovation Action project.
Additionally, Celignis was a partner in the BIOrescue RIA project which was completed in 2019.
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Read...