| Abstract: | Surface area measurements were performed on stannic oxide gel and its thermal dehydration products obtained both in vacuo and in presence of air in the temperature range 100–600°C by benzene and carbon tetrachloride adsorption at 35°C. The presence or absence of air is found to impose changes in the surface area and consequently vary the pore structure of the solid material. Pore size analyses for both micro- and mesopores are performed. The low temperature samples are characterised by the presence of micropores only. At 350°C widening of pores commences and at higher temperatures the results indicate the existence of pores of “submicro” dimensions together with the mesopores. These changes in pore structure go in parallel with the gradual development of the crystalline cassiterite structure. |
