A simple equation for accurate mesopore size calculations

A simple equation is proposed for accurate mesopore size calculations from the nitrogen adsorption isotherms without the addition of the film thickness. The validity of this equation is tested in combination with experimental data of a series of mesoporous materials.

Graphical abstractTesting the validity of the equation Pore size distribution of an ordered mesoporous silica by various models. The proposed equation is in good agreement with NLDFT results and XRD data. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We present an empirical equation that provides results on capillary vaporization comparable with those obtained from advanced calculation techniques. ► The proposed equation allows a calculation of the mean pore size by a glance of the adsorption isotherm while at the same time no addition of the film thickness is needed. ► The results show an excellent agreement of the pore sizes deduced from NLDFT and our proposed equation (within an error of less than 5%). ► Yet the equation is simple enough to be of interest in our porous materials characterization community and industry.