2. Physical properties of solid catalysts

2.1 Specific surface measurement

The specific surface area S _g of catalysts is determined from physisorption isotherms (often at low temperatures) of very slightly reactive gases (nitrogen, oxygen, argon, alkanes, etc.): volume V adsorbed at equilibrium as a function of adsorbate pressure P, more generally as a function of P/P ₀ where P ₀ is the saturating vapor pressure of the adsorbate. From these isotherms, we derive the value of V...