Description of an Active Carbon Micropore Size Distribution Based on the Horvath—Kawazoe Equation Adapted to Benzene Adsorption Isotherms

The Horvath–Kawazoe equation has been used for the determination of the pore size distribution (PSD) of four fractions of active carbon separated by elutriation on the basis of their different degrees of activation. A comparison of the pore size distribution functions for argon and benzene as adsorbates has been undertaken. For both adsorbates, correction factors including the adsorption in mesopores have been evaluated. The influence of these corrections on the PSD functions has been discussed. Quantitative evaluations of the PSD functions for these two different adsorbates and a comparison with the results of small-angle X-ray scattering measurements leads to the conclusion that it is possible to use the benzene isotherm as well as those of other adsorbates.