In situ monitoring of adsorption and desorption of n-heptane on porous silica by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

摘要

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy study of n-heptane adsorption and desorption on silica gel Si-60 gives insight into a free volume evolution during those processes. Analysis of the lifetime distribution allows to ascribe particular ortho-positronium components to silica walls, mesopores and n-heptane. Hysteresis loop of the intensities of the mesopore and n-heptane related components similar to classic adsorption/desorption isotherms is observed. Transition from an adsorbate multilayer structure to liquid when pores become completely filled, manifests itself as an intensity change. Kinetics of desorption and adsorption studies allows to determine the time of reaching the equilibrium by the Si-60-n-heptane system at various pressures.