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.
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.
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.
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.
Analysis Packages for Surface Area and Porosity
The analysis packages that cover surface area and porosity analysis are listed below. Click on an a package for further details on it.
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.
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.
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.
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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