Structure and transport characterisation of hierarchical porous solids

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Porous materials with hierarchical organization of their pore spaces are attracting increasing attention due to favourable combination of their transport properties and chemical functionality. Although the synthesis routes of such materials have already been developed, better understanding of their structure and, especially, structure-dynamics relationships is still required to optimize their use in practical applications. The main objectives of the present project include a systematic study of the structural and transport properties of micro-mesoporous materials with hierarchical organization of their pore spaces, the establishment of their interrelation, and the gain of fundamental knowledge for a rational design of these materials in practical applications. Through a synergetic experimental approach using gas sorption, NMR cryoporometry, IR micro-imaging, pulsed field gradient NMR diffusometry, and their combinations, computer modelling and theory, the project will be aiming at: (i) developing experimental approaches and methodologies allowing a comprehensive structural characterization of the two pore spaces composed by micro- and mesopores; (ii) correlating the structural information with both the microscopic and mesoscopic transport properties of the materials and elucidating the decisive elementary mass transfer mechanisms and mass transfer resistances emerging on different length-scales for a broad range of thermodynamic conditions; (iii) developing theoretical and/or numerical models providing a deeper understanding (and a quantitative prediction) of the mass transfer processes in hierarchical porous materials and providing the routes for process-oriented structure optimization. Being focused on materials of immediate interest for chemical industry, the project may contribute to technology improvement and may help to increase the economic value of relevant products.