Pore Classification in the Characterization of Porous Materials

Abstract

The characteristics are summarized of porous materials important for their technical applications and for understanding the physical-chemical processes involving the materials used as catalysts and adsorbents. The internal structure of pores is discussed in terms of their size distribution, volume, shape, connectivity, accessibility and surface area. Classification of pores is one of the basic requisites for comprehensive characterization of porous solids. The commonly used classification systems of porous bulk materials as well as discrepancies and differences in pore size categorization are discussed. A system of pore classification is proposed.