SEM Image Processing Assisted by Deep Learning to Quantify Mesoporous γ-Alumina Spatial Heterogeneity and Its...

The pore network architecture of porous heterogeneous catalyst supports has a significant effect on the kinetics of mass transfer occurring within them. Therefore, characterizing and understanding structure-transport relationships is essential to guide new designs of heterogeneous catalysts with higher activity and selectivity and superior resistance to deactivation. This study combines classical characterization via N₂ adsorption and desorption and mercury porosimetry with advanced scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and processing approaches to quantify the spatial heterogeneity of γ-alumina (γ-Al₂O₃), a catalyst support of great industrial relevance. Based on this, a model is proposed for the spatial organization of γ-Al₂O₃, containing alumina inclusions of different porosities with respect to the alumina matrix. Using original, advanced SEM image analysis techniques, including deep learning semantic segmentation and porosity measurement under gray-level calibration, the inclusion volume fraction and interphase porosity difference were identified and quantified as the key parameters that served as input for effective tortuosity factor predictions using effective medium theory (EMT)-based models. For the studied aluminas, spatial porosity heterogeneity impact on the effective tortuosity factor was found to be negligible, yet it was proven to become significant for an inclusion content of at least 30% and an interphase porosity difference of over 20%. The proposed methodology based on machine-learning-supported image analysis, in conjunction with other analytical techniques, is a general platform that should have a broader impact on porous materials characterization.