Surface Analysis
Surface area analyzers
The Micromeritics Gemini VII, TriStar, and ASAP 2020 instruments are used to characterize catalyst active and support surfaces, determine the specific surface areas of adsorbents, and evaluate the porosity and gas storage, for example CO₂, of nanomaterials such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks – MOFs. materials with low surface areas, including nanoparticles, glass fibers, and natural organic materials, can also be analyzed. The instruments differ in pressure range, manifold sensitivity, and supported adsorptive gases, enabling complementary capabilities for routine as well as advanced research applications.
Micromeritics Gemini VII
A Single-station BET surface area analyzer. Ideal for fast measurements and simple operation, high reproducibility for routine BET analysis, high-throughput screening. Best suited for routine surface area measurements and quick material comparison
- Main functions: BET surface area measurement; Single-point and multi-point BET using Gas adsorption (typically N₂)
Capabilities/Accessories
- Available gases for adsorption and surface area measurements are
- high purity N2
- high purity CO2
- standard bath (liquid N2): -196 °C
- variable temperature bath: -30–130 °
- Pressure range: 0.01–800 Torr
- Degas with flowing N2 at the temperature of max. 400 °C
Micromeritics Tristar
A Multi-station (3 measuring ports can be used simultaneously) surface area and porosity analyzer. Best suited for mesoporosity analysis and high-throughput studies.
- Main functions: BET surface area; Mesopore size and volume (Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) analysis for determining pore size distribution); Adsorption/desorption isotherms; Simultaneous analysis of multiple (up to 3) samples
Capabilities/Accessories
- Available gases for adsorption and surface area measurements are
- high purity N2
- high purity CO2
- standard bath (liquid N2): -196 °C
- variable temperature bath: -30–130 °
- Pressure range: 0.01–800 Torr
- Degas with flowing N2 at the temperature of max. 400 °C
Micromeritics ASAP 2020
High-performance, high end surface area and porosity analyzer Advantages are high accuracy and sensitivity. Capable of detailed micropore characterization, Flexible experimental protocols. Ideal for Advanced research and publication-quality data and Detailed pore structure analysis of complex materials
- Main functions: BET surface area; Micro- and mesopore analysis; High-resolution adsorption/desorption isotherms; A range of advanced models for surface areas and pore size distribution analysis; High-vacuum degassing and precise pressure control
Capabilities/Accessories
- Permanently connected gases for adsorption and surface area measurements are high purity N2 (Unit 1 and 2)
- high purity CO2 (Unit 1 and 2)
- krypton (Unit 2),
- methane (Unit 2)
- argon (Unit 2)
- Temperature range:
- standard bath (liquid N2): -196 °
- variable temperature bath: -30–130 °C.
- Pressure range: 10-7–800 Torr.
- Vapor adsorption option (only for Unit 1): adsorption of water vapor, hydrocarbons, et cetera. can be carried out at different temperatures by the aid of the cryo-compact circulator and variable temperature bath (-30–130 °C).
- The Rate of Adsorption Option (only for Unit 1) allows the user to measure how quickly (or slowly) a sample adsorbs each dose of gas. Time resolution: 1 s.
Malvern Instruments Zetasizer Nano Series
The Malvern Zetasizer measures particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, and molecular weight in one system using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), laser doppler micro electrophoresis, and static light scattering.
Capabilities/Accessories
- Size measurement from 0.6 nm–6000 nm
- Sample concentrations from 0.1 ppm to 40% w/v
- Disposable capillary cell for zeta potential measurements to completely eliminate cross contamination
Last updated: 2026-02-20
Source: Department of Chemistry