Ion Concentration Polarization for Microparticle Mesoporosity Differentiation

Microparticle porosity is normally determined in bulk manner providing an ensemble average that hinders establishing the individual role of each microparticle. On the other hand, single particle characterization implies expensive technology. We propose to use ion concentration polarization to measure differences in mesoporosity at the single particle level. Ion concentration polarization occurs at the interface between an electrolyte and a porous particle when an electric field is applied. The extent of ion concentration polarization depends, among others, on the mesopore size and density. By using a fluorescence marker, we could measure differences in concentration polarization between particles with 3 and 13 nm average mesopore diameters. A qualitative model was developed in order to understand and interpret the phenomena. We believe that this inexpensive method could be used to measure differences in mesoporous particle materials such as catalysts.