A simple van der waals model for molecule-curved surface interactions in molecular-sized microporous solids

Abstract

Molecular sieves possess pores of atomic dimensions and thus curved internal surfaces on which adsorption and/or catalysis can occur. A simple van der Waals model describing the molecule-surface interaction in such pores is presented from which surface curvature effects on sorption energetics are derived. Two new concepts, the “ floating molecule” and the “ creep diffusion”, are introduced. This approach has implications in the description of the sorptive and catalytic properties of these materials.