Estimation of micropore size distribution in active carbons from adsorption isotherms of water vapor

A possibility of estimation of the micropore size distribution in the carbon adsorbents with the developed micro-and mesoporous structure by analysis of the adsorption isotherms of water vapors was considered. At saturation water condenses in micropores in a form of a weakly compressed liquid. However, water molecules in micropores are packed not so closely as in the liquid because of steric hindrance. Therefore, the real density of water adsorbed in the micropores is lower than that of water adsorbed on an open surface and lower than the density of the normal liquid. An analysis of the adsorption isotherms of water vapors with account for the both opposite effects on the water density gives reliable data on the micropore sizes of the carbon adsorbents.