A note on sorption measuring instruments

Gas sorption phenomena can be used to characterise porous solids and dispersed materials. Usually isotherms of nitrogen and noble gases like He, Ar, Kr are measured at low temperatures (77–90 K). Other gases and vapours like water, CO₂ and benzene are used at near ambient conditions of pressure and temperature. From the amount of gas adsorbed on the (external or internal) surface characteristic quantities like the specific surface area, specific pore volume and pore spectrum of the material are derived by standardised methods. Experimental techniques most often used are the carrier gas, the volumetric/manometric and the gravimetric method. A comprehensible overview of today's available instruments, their advantages and drawbacks is given.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.