Uncertainty in pore size distribution derived from adsorption isotherms: I. Classical methods

•Uncertainty in meso-PSD arises from isotherm data and sample temperature.•Uncertainty in micro-PSD mainly arises from experimental data.•Calculated micro-PSD is sensitive to the adsorptive molecular diameter.•Calculation step size has effects on uncertainty in micro-PSD.

Procedures for propagation of uncertainty in pore size distribution calculation based on classical methods for both micro and mesoporous materials are described. Uncertainty in experimental adsorption isotherm data and uncertainty in temperature are introduced as the main sources for uncertainty in height and position of peaks of PSD determined via classical mesopore size distribution determination method. Uncertainty in PSD derived from classical micropore size distribution methods mainly arises from uncertainty in experimental isotherm data. Calculation step size is shown to have some effects on magnitude of uncertainty in micropore calculation. Micropore size distribution calculations are also highly sensitive to the adsorptive molecular diameter.

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