Infrared Adsorption Detection Chamber for Rapid Surface Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the adsorption of gases on materials are cumbersome, requiring precise and costly equipment, extensive time, and large sample volumes, making them unsuitable for rapid or comparative investigations of newly developed materials.
Innovation Solution
A method using a chamber non-transparent to electromagnetic radiation between 150 nm and 25 µm, where a gas or gas mixture is introduced to a sample, and the resulting temperature increase is measured with infrared sensors, allowing for rapid and accurate determination of surface properties with minimal equipment and sample volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calorimetric methods with Tian-Calvet calorimeters are used to determine heat of adsorption, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and investment cost increase significantly due to requiring large number of temperature sensors and extensive thermostatting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the thermal radiation detection function from the complex calorimetric system. By using a simple chamber with an optical detector that measures infrared radiation emitted by the sample, the method eliminates the need for multiple temperature sensors and extensive thermostatting equipment while maintaining measurement capability through non-contact thermal radiation detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical contact-based temperature measurement system (multiple temperature sensors requiring direct contact with the sample) with an optical detection system that measures thermal radiation. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical assemblies and reduces device complexity while preserving measurement functionality
2Measurement precision
If calorimetric methods are used to determine heat of adsorption, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases significantly as measurements take at least several hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement of thermal radiation from the sample throughout the adsorption process. The optical detector continuously monitors the infrared radiation emitted by the sample as gas is introduced, providing uninterrupted data on temperature changes and heat of adsorption without requiring intermittent measurements or lengthy equilibration periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accelerates the measurement process by directly detecting thermal radiation emissions during adsorption without requiring the lengthy equilibration and steady-state measurements characteristic of traditional calorimetry. The method captures the dynamic thermal response in real-time, rushing through the measurement process while maintaining accuracy
3Quantity of substance
If gravimetric measurements are used to determine adsorption, then adsorption quantification is achieved, but measurement precision requirements increase significantly due to the extremely small mass change from gas adsorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical balance-based mass measurement system with a thermal radiation detection system. Instead of measuring the extremely small mass change directly, the method measures the thermal radiation emitted by the sample as gas adsorbs, converting an impossible mechanical measurement into a feasible thermal measurement
4Measurement precision
If traditional calorimetric methods are used, then heat of adsorption can be determined, but sample volume requirements increase as a minimum sample volume is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from bulk measurement requirements. The optical detector can sense thermal radiation from very small sample volumes placed in the chamber, eliminating the minimum sample volume requirement of traditional calorimetry. The method is particularly suited for investigating newly developed materials where only small quantities are available
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick, accurate assessments of material surface properties with reduced time and equipment investment, suitable for comparative investigations of new materials, using small sample volumes and normal ambient temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
Since heating occurs during adsorption, this increase in temperature can be measured. At least one optical detector is arranged in the chamber for this purpose. The detector is sensitive at least in a range of the wavelength range between 150 nm and 25 μm. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sample as a result of the adsorption can be detected with the detector(s)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the adsorption of a gas on materials. The aim of the invention is to propose possibilities for determining the surface properties of materials, wherein statements are obtained at reduced system expense, with less time, and with sufficient measurement accuracy, and very small sample volumes can be examined. In the invention, a sample (1) of a material within a chamber (2), which is not transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 150 nm to 25 μm, is exposed to a gas or gas mixture. The gas or at least one gas contained in a gas mixture is adsorbed at the surface of the sample, and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sample as a result of the adsorption is detected by means of at least one optical detector (3), which is sensitive at least in a range of the wavelength range of 150 nm to 25 μm. The measurement signals of the detector/detectors are captured using time resolution and are evaluated within a definable time interval to determine the surface temperature, which changes due to the adsorption, and/or the heat of adsorption of the respective sample.