Beyond the Meso/Macroporous Boundary: Extending Capillary Condensation-Based Pore Size Characterization in Thin Films Through Tailored Adsorptives.
J Phys Chem Lett
; 15(5): 1420-1427, 2024 Feb 08.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38290522
ABSTRACT
The characterization of thin films containing nanopores with diameters exceeding 50 nm poses significant challenges, especially when deploying sorption-based techniques. Conventional volumetric physisorption or mercury intrusion methods have limited applicability in thin films due to constraints in sample preparation and nondestructive testing. In this context, ellipsometric porosimetry represents a viable alternative, leveraging its optical sensitivity to thin films. With existing setups relying on the capillary condensation of volatile compounds such as water, applicability is typically restricted to pore dimensions <50 nm. In this study, we introduce two high-molar-mass hydrocarbon adsorptives, namely ethylbenzene and n-nonane. These adsorptives exhibit substantial potential in improving the accuracy of physisorption measurements beyond mesoporosity (i.e., >50 nm). Specifically, with n-nonane, applicability is extended up to 80 nm pores. Our measurement guidelines propose a nondestructive, expeditious (<60 min), low-pressure (<0.03 bar) approach to investigate nanoporous thin films with potential adaptability to diverse structural architectures.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Phys Chem Lett
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido