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Key Information

  • Measurement stations : 3 adsorption station (non-corrosive gas probe molecules [in particular N₂, CO₂, Kr, Ar] and non-corrosive vapours [in particular water]) : 2 microporous ports and 1 mesoporous port. No degassing independant system but second degassing phase on the analysis ports.
  • Pressure range :
    • Microporosity : 10⁻6 to 10⁻¹ mmHg (10⁻³ to 10 Pa)
    • Meso- and macro-porosity : 1 to 760 mmHg (10 to 10⁵ Pa)
  • Pressure sensors : Each port is independently equipped for the pressure measurement.
    • 1000 mmHg (resolution 10⁻³ mmHg) for the 3 ports
    • 10 mmHg (resolution 10⁻⁵ mmHg) for the 3 ports
    • 1 mmHg (resolution 10⁻⁶ mmHg) only for the 2 microporous ports
  • Analysis temperature : 77K (liquid nitrogen), 273K (ice bath), 293 K (room temperature). The analysis temperature is common for the 3 analysis port
  • Adsorbates : non-corrosive gas – non-corrosive vapour
  • Specific surface area : > 0.011 m²/g (N₂)
  • Degassing station : No degassing stations. Second degassing on the analysis ports : ambient temperature to 350 °C (increment of 0,1°C)
  • Cryogenic system : 3.2-liter Dewar, 48 h autonomy
  • Accessibility : Self-service for staff, PhD students, and Master’s students after training by the technical manager

 

Micromeritics Analyser, 3Flex

The 3-Flex is a device dedicated to measuring the textural properties of materials : specific surface area, porosity, adsorbent-adsorbate affinity, isosteric heat,…. It allows for the characterization of micro-, meso and macro-porous structures. A preliminary external degassing (activation) phases must be done before adsorption analysis. A second degassing phase is possible on the analysis port. The use of pneumatic valves and 0,1 mmHg-pressure sensor allow a better resolution at very low pressure for the analysis of the microporoux phase and/or the specific interactions. In more, 3Flex apparatus is equipped for vapour adsorption.

What is it used for ?

The 3-Flex is used for :

  • Characterizing the micro-,meso- and macro-porosity of materials
  • Specific surface area,
  • Pore size distribution, geometry (BJH et DFT models)
  • Isosteric heats
  • Affinity adsorbent-adsorbate
  • Vapour adsorption

Preliminary treatment : removing impurities through degassing prior to analysis

Fields of Application

  • Porous inorganic materials(catalysts, zeolites, MOFs, etc.)
  • Carbonaceous materials (graphites, biochars, hard carbons, activeted carbons,…)
  • Polymer and polymer-based composite materials
  • Bio-based and nano-structured materials
  • Applications in advanced materials and the chemical industry
  •  

Available Measurements

  • Specific surface area(in particular N₂, CO₂, Kr, Ar)
  • Porosity analysis : pore size distribution, pore volume, geometry
  • Isosteric heats
  • Adsorbent-adsorbate affinity
  • Vapour adsorption