PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SILICA SURFACE

The three parameters specific surface area (m2/g), pore size distribution (fv(rp) and fA(rp)-distributions based on pore volume and pore area respectively) and particle size are sufficient to fully characterize the physical properties of the silica matrix. 

The exact knowledge of the specific surface area of a silica gel, treated at a given temperature, is essential to express the concentration of the reactive surface species in ( /nm2). This unit is in many cases superior to the more conventional (mmol/g), since it gives a microscopical image of the surface loading, and since it is directly related to effects such as sterical hindrance. 

The pore size distribution gives a deeper insight in the availability of the reactive surface silanols towards the reacting molecules. It also explains the sorption characteristics of the silica. 

In fact, pore size and surface area are established by an underlying parameter the particle size of the (secondary) particles. Direct measurement of particle sizes yields information on surface area and porosity and vice versa. 

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The book is divided into three major parts. The first part (Part I) reviews the characterization of the silica surface, discussing the preparation and properties of pure silica (Chapter 1), the physical characterization of the silica surface (Chapter 2), the chemistry of silica (Chapter 3), the quantification of the silanol number (Chapter 4), the distribution of the silanol types and their desorption energies (Chapter 5), the effect of surface morphology on the dehydroxilation behaviour (Chapter 6) and the related silicate materials (Chapter 7). Part II discusses the chemical modification of... 

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