Multi-User Equipment approved in grant 2017/50332-0: ASAP 2020 plus surface area analyzer, volume and pore area

• Grant number: 18/19251-7
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• Start date: December 01, 2018
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Ivana Conte Cosentino
• Grantee: Ivana Conte Cosentino
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/50332-0 - Scientific, technological and infrastructure qualification in radiopharmaceuticals, radiation and entrepreneurship for health purposes (PDIp), AP.PDIP
• EMU web page: https://www.ipen.br/portal_por/portal/default.php
• Type of equipment: Caracterização de Materiais - Análises de Superficies - Adsorção (sorção, BET, ângulo de contato/goniômetro)
• Manufacturer: Micromeritics
• Model: ASAP 2020 Plus

Abstract

Surface area and porosity are physical properties that impact the quality and character of solid phase materials. Materials with identical physical dimensions may exhibit entirely different performance profiles based on variations in the physical surface area of the two materials. Surface area measurement if an important analysis used in many industries, including catalysts, zeolites, batteries, pharmaceuticals, metal powders and ceramic powders. BET analysis provides precise specific surface area evaluation of materials by nitrogen adsorption measured as a function of relative pressure. The surface area is determined by calculating the amount of adsorbate gas corresponding to a monomolecular layer on the surface of the material. The technique encompasses external area and pore area evaluations to determine the total specific surface area. BET is used to determine a range of disperse, solid microporous to mesoporous materials. BJH analysis can also be utilized to define pore area and specific pore volumes through adsorption and desorption techniques. Using BJH analysis is possible to determine pore size distribution independent of external area due to particle size of the sample. The Micromeritics ASAP 2020 Plus integrates a variety of automated gas sorption techniques into a single but powerful, table-top instrument. The system is designed to provide high quality surface area, porosity, chemisorption and physisorption isotherm data to materials analysis laboratories with ever analytical requirements. The equipment can be configured to specific needs with the option of upgrading at a later date as the analytical requirements change, maximizing the utility of this instrument. Versatility: programmable two-station degas system for automated sample preparation. A dedicated P° sensor allows for a faster analysis and provides P° values at the same conditions as the adsorption measurement. Six analysis gas inlets with dedicated vapor and helium free-space ports provide greater flexibility and automated selection of pretreatment, backfill, and analysis gases. The Isothermal Jacket provides accurate, reproducible temperature maintenance. Long duration and refillable dewar provides unlimited time-of-analysis capability. Standard, independent dual vacuum systems (one for analysis, one for sample pretreatment). Seal Frit - Automatic sample tube sealing device to prevent contamination during weighing or transfer of the treatment system for analysis. Modular System - For future upgrades to chemorisation and micropore systems. Equilibration Time - Continuous monitoring pressure routine during gas dosing to ensure complete filling of the equivalent diameters pores to the applied pressure. Fundamental for determining pore diameter distribution. The equipment does not generate new pressure until the applied pressure stabilizes. (AU)