Surface area analysers utilize the adsorption of measured doses of liquid nitrogen to ascertain the surface area of a sample. Samples are accurately weighed into special glassware and degassed for an extended period of time before analysis begins. The work of Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) from the 1930’s about multi-layer gas adsorption is used to provide the mathematical formulas to translate experimental data into usable surface area figures. Information is also available to estimate pore sizes, distributions and volumes.
Krypton, Argon and Carbon Dioxide may also be used as analysis gases, however Nitrogen is the most commonly used adsorbate gas.
Click on the links below for more information about each analyser.