Characterization of nanoporous monoliths using nitrogen adsorption and positronium annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

The characterization of nanoporous materials is essential for their application as model systems. In this study, nanoporous glass monoliths with a pore diameter below 10 nm were used as model system to compare the pore size analysis performed via nitrogen adsorption and positronium annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). For determination of pore size distribution via nitrogen sorption, B.J.H. method and DFT method were used. By applying positronium annihilation lifetime spectroscopy as independent characterization technique, DFT method was validated to provide more realistic results for the pore size distribution of the model material.