Aim: To determine void volume, solid density and porosity of a catalyst particle.

Apparatus: 100 ml beaker, measuring cylinder, weighing balance.

Theory: The void volume or pore volume of a catalyst particle can be estimated by boiling a
weighed sample immersed in a liquid such as water. After the air in the pores has been
displaced, the sample is superficially dried and weighed. The increase in weight divided by
the density of the liquid gives the pore volume. The volume of water displaced is a measure
of the volume occupied by the solid material. From this volume & weight of the sample, the
density of the solid can be obtained. Void fraction or porosity of the particle,
Ɛ𝑝 = void volume of the particle⁄total volume of particle
Procedure: Take a measured quantity of silica gel. Put in a 100 ml measuring cylinder, pour
measured volume of water. Wait for 5 min or so to see the change in volume of water. Note
down the change in water volume at steady state. Boil the water & catalyst. Cool it, remove
the catalyst & dry it superficially on filter paper. Take the weight; find the change in the
weight of the catalyst.
Observations:
Weight of the catalyst before boiling in water= 𝑤1 𝑔𝑚 =
Weight of the catalyst after boiling in water= 𝑤2 𝑔𝑚 =
Volume of water before putting catalyst in water= 𝑣1 𝑚𝑙 =
Volume of water after putting catalyst in water = 𝑣2 𝑚𝑙 =
Change in volume of water after putting cat in water = (𝑣2 − 𝑣1 ) = 𝑣 𝑚𝑙 =
Change in weight of cat after boiling = (𝑤2 − 𝑤1 ) = 𝑤 𝑔𝑚 =
Density of water 𝜌𝑤 gm/cc
Calculations:
𝑤 𝑚𝑙⁄
Pore volume, 𝑣𝑔 = = 𝑔𝑚
𝑤1 𝜌𝑤
Void fraction or porosity of the particle,
𝑤1 𝑣𝑔
Ɛ𝑝 =
𝑤1 𝑣𝑔 + 𝑤1 /𝜌𝑠
𝑣𝑔 𝜌𝑠
=
𝑣𝑔 𝜌𝑠 + 1
Where the true density of solid catalyst is 𝜌𝑠 ,
𝑤1
𝜌𝑠 = ; 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑣𝑔′ = 𝑤1 𝑣𝑔
(𝑣 − 𝑣𝑔′ )
Result: Pore volume 𝑣𝑔 = ; True density of solid 𝜌𝑠 = Porosity of solid Ɛp =