Basics of Surface Area and Porosity Workshop

INTRODUCTION:
Are you seeking to understand and quantify the ‘surface area’ and porosity of your materials? Then join us for a comprehensive free one-day workshop dedicated to exploring physisorption and its interaction with the surface chemistry of materials.

This workshop combines theoretical insights with hands-on experience to provide a well-rounded understanding of this essential method. Participants will gain valuable skills in physisorption, including practical lab techniques, correct sample preparation, method development and data analysis.

WHY ATTEND? - KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Fundamentals of physisorption: a clear understanding of what gas physisorption measures - surface area, pore volume & pore size distribution
• Instrument operation: acquire hands-on experience in preparing samples, degassing, method development and conducting physisorption measurements.
• The ability to choose the right probe gas and method - nitrogen vs argon vs CO₂
• Software handling: learn how to navigate current software features and workflows for data analysis, report generation, and leveraging tools to derive meaningful insights from your experiments
• When BET is appropriate - and when it isn’t
• When DFT models outperform classical methods
• Confidence in interpreting isotherms - recognising pore types and structural features
• Identifying measurement artefacts
• Understanding hysteresis and capillary condensation
• Practical competence in data analysis - selecting the correct BET linear region
• Troubleshooting and best practices: avoiding common pitfalls (e.g., forced fits, incorrect degassing)

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
• Researchers and scientists in material science, chemistry, and related fields
• Industry professionals involved in surface analysis and material characterisation
• Laboratory technicians and quality control specialists

WORKSHOP FORMAT:
The workshop will be delivered in-person by our application and product specialists. Lunches and coffee breaks will be provided by Anton Paar UK. Each participant will also receive a copy of the IUPAC Technical Reference on Physisorption of Gases.

AGENDA:

09:30am: Registration, Coffee and Welcome
09:45am: Foundations of Gas Physisorption

• What is physisorption (vs chemisorption)
• Physical forces involved (van der Waals, pore filling, multilayer adsorption) 
• BET theory: assumptions, linear region selection, C constant interpretation
• Why nitrogen, argon, CO₂ and krypton as probe gases – which one and why?
• Overview of IUPAC pore size classifications
• Langmuir model: when it applies and when it misleads
• t‑plot, αs‑plot, and DR/DA methods for microporosity, BJH, NLDFT, QSDFT for pore size distribution
• Choosing the right model for the right material

10:00am: Instrumentation & Measurement Principles

• Types of physisorption instruments (volumetric)
• Sample preparation: degassing strategies, temperature control, avoiding artefacts, analysis development
• Measurement conditions: relative pressure, equilibrium criteria, cryogen selection
• Understanding isotherm collection and data quality indicators

10:45am: Break
11:00am: Lab Hands-on: Sample Prep, Degassing, Measurement Setup & Development
12:30pm: Lunch
01:15pm: Isotherms & Their Interpretation

• The IUPAC isotherm types and what they reveal
• Hysteresis loops and pore structure implications
• Identifying microporous, mesoporous, and macroporous behaviour
• Recognising common measurement artefacts (leaks, thermal transpiration, poor degassing)
   

02:00 pm: Software Hands-on: data analysis and which data treatment models apply
02:45 pm: Break
03:15 pm: Lab Hands-on: Best Practice & Data Treatment
04:30 pm: Application Case Studies: ‘Real world’ examples and Q&A 
05:00 pm: Thank you & Farewell

MEET THE TEAM:

Dr Nishil Malde is our UK Product Manager for X-Ray, Surface Area & Porosity and Mechanical Surface Characterisation.  Nishil has over 25 years of experience in technical instrument sales and application support, including 11 years at Anton Paar. With a PhD in Physics from Imperial College London, Nishil is a recognised expert in materials characterisation. His passion lies in guiding our customers to innovative solutions for their material analysis needs.
 

Dr Francisco Sotomayor is the global product manager for the Autosorb series of gas sorption instruments from Anton Paar. He brings more than 15 years of experience in porous material characterisations techniques, including physisorption and chemisorption, with a strong focus on practical application and customer support. Francisco has held roles in both product management and application science, working closely with customers worldwide to solve complex material characterisation challenges. He holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan and is passionate about teaching others how to understand and apply techniques for advanced materials analysis.

Venue: Luton, United Kingdom, Anton Paar Ltd. Luton
End of registration: 7 Jun 2026

Contact person and registration:
Anton Paar Ltd UK
Tel.: +44 1992 514730
info.gb[at]anton-paar.com