Critical Method Distinction

Porosimetry vs Porometry

Understand the fundamental difference between total pore characterization (porosimetry) and through-pore analysis (porometry) for optimal method selection.

View Key Differences Decision Guide

Porosimetry

Measures ALL Pores

Through + Blind + Closed
Through pores Blind pores Closed pores
  • Mercury intrusion
  • Gas adsorption
  • Small angle scattering
  • Total porosity measurement

Porometry

Measures ONLY Through Pores

Through Pores Only
Measured Not detected
  • Capillary flow porometry
  • Liquid-liquid porometry
  • Bubble point test
  • Permeability analysis

Key Differences

Fundamental distinctions between porosimetry and porometry methods

Aspect Porosimetry Porometry
Pore Types Measured All pores: through, blind, and closed Only through (permeable) pores
Primary Techniques • Mercury intrusion (MIP)
• Gas adsorption (BET/BJH)
• Small angle scattering 		• Capillary flow porometry
• Liquid extrusion
• Bubble point method
Measurement Principle Volume/surface area based Flow/permeability based
Size Range 0.3 nm - 500 μm (technique dependent) 0.02 - 500 μm (typically)
Information Obtained • Total porosity
• Pore size distribution
• Surface area
• Pore volume 		• Through pore size
• Permeability
• Bubble point
• Flow distribution
Sample Requirements Can be powder, bulk, or membrane Must be permeable (typically membranes/filters)
Typical Applications • Catalysts
• Adsorbents
• Ceramics
• Building materials 		• Filtration membranes
• Separation media
• Textiles
• Paper products
Connectivity Information Limited (requires advanced analysis) Direct measurement of connected paths
Sample Integrity May alter sample (MIP) or non-destructive (gas) Generally non-destructive
Analysis Time 2-24 hours typically 15-60 minutes typically

When to Use Each Method

Use Porosimetry When:

  • Total porosity determination is required
  • Characterizing catalysts or adsorbents
  • Analyzing powder materials
  • Studying closed or blind pore systems
  • Determining surface area is critical
  • Material has significant internal porosity
  • Quality control of bulk materials
  • Research on pore formation mechanisms

Use Porometry When:

  • Flow characteristics are paramount
  • Testing filtration membranes
  • Permeability assessment needed
  • Only through pores matter for application
  • Quick pass/fail testing required
  • Determining filter ratings
  • Quality control of separation media
  • Predicting fluid transport behavior

Decision Guide

Follow this flowchart to determine the optimal method for your application

Start Is your application focused on fluid flow or permeability? YES Are you analyzing membranes or filters? Use POROMETRY NO Need total porosity or surface area data? Material type? Powder / Bulk / Membrane Gas Adsorption (BET/BJH) Mercury Intrusion (MIP) Consider Combined Approach

Combined Approach Benefits

Many applications benefit from using both porosimetry and porometry

🔬

Complete Characterization

Combines total porosity data with flow-relevant pore information for comprehensive material understanding.

📊

Tortuosity Insights

Compare total vs through porosity to calculate tortuosity and understand pore connectivity.

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Performance Prediction

Correlate structural properties with functional performance for improved material design.

Real-World Applications

Ultrafiltration Membranes

Challenge: Optimize retention and flux

Solution:

  • Porometry: Determine MWCO and flux rates
  • Gas adsorption: Characterize support layer structure
  • Result: 40% flux improvement while maintaining retention

Battery Separators

Challenge: Balance ion transport with safety

Solution:

  • Porometry: Verify shutdown pore size
  • MIP: Analyze total porosity and tortuosity
  • Result: Optimized separator with enhanced safety profile

Relevant Standards

Porosimetry Standards

  • ISO 15901-1:2016 - Mercury porosimetry
  • ISO 15901-2:2022 - Gas adsorption (macro/mesopores)
  • ISO 15901-3:2007 - Gas adsorption (micropores)
  • ISO 9277:2022 - BET surface area
  • ASTM D4284-12 - MIP for catalysts
  • ASTM C1069-09 - Nitrogen adsorption

Porometry Standards

  • ASTM F316-03 - Pore size by bubble point
  • ASTM E1294-89 - Pore size by liquid extrusion
  • ISO 4003:1977 - Bubble pressure test
  • ASTM D6767-16 - Pore size of geotextiles
  • ISO 2942:2018 - Bubble point for filters
  • ASTM F2101-19 - Bacterial filtration efficiency

Key Takeaways

Porosimetry

  • Measures all pore types (through, blind, closed)
  • Provides total porosity and surface area
  • Best for catalysts, adsorbents, bulk materials
  • Uses MIP, gas adsorption, SAXS techniques

Porometry

  • Measures only through (permeable) pores
  • Provides flow and permeability data
  • Best for membranes, filters, separation media
  • Uses capillary flow, bubble point techniques

Remember: The choice between porosimetry and porometry depends on your specific application requirements. Many advanced characterization protocols benefit from using both approaches to gain complete material understanding.

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