Effect of microstructure on gas/solid interactions in porous materials

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This research programme aims at better understanding of the interactions between gas and porous materials and the effects of such an interaction could have on different materials applications. Sensitivity of gas sensors, performance of catalysts, and combustion rate of carbon materials are particularly targeted as potential application fields taking advantage of generated knowledge by this research. The programme is set out to study the effect of pore structure on gas/solid interactions in sensors and carbon-based materials and to provide a theoretical basis for rate equations involved. In order to attribute a rate equation at different depth of a porous material the exact concentration of gas as a function of material depth should be known. Consequently, the effective diffusion coefficient of gas species within the pores is required. A number of structural parameters influence the effective diffusivity of a porous materials such as pore size distribution, tortuosity, ... It is therefore the aim of this programme to establish constitutive laws revealing the effect of structural parameters on diffusion parameters namely in the porous materials where the diffusing gas reacts with the porous media. Upon the completion of this research programme, it is expected that a reliable theoretical basis be provided helping the modeling of sensing or catalytic properties of porous layers and of air/CO2 reactivity of carbon-based materials. It is also expected that the achievements be used as a guide line for engineering the pore structure by choosing appropriate starting materials and process parameters leading to the development of optimal microstructures.