High-resolution analysis of ordered and disordered isoporous 3D nanostructures using PXCT

Many applications of 3D isoporous (nano)structures rely on the use of liquids flowing through the material. Therefore, a better understanding of the underlying processes and the influence of the structural properties on the fluid flow is of high importance. However, due to the small structure sizes, the analysis of the fluid flow processes is difficult. Using synchrotron radiation-based ptychography X-ray computed tomography (PXCT), ordered and disordered isoporous Al2O3 structures with different nominal pore sizes are investigated and characterized. The detailed, scanned 3D structures are simulated regarding their differences in fluid flow properties. It was found that ordering has only a minor influence on the fluid velocity’s homogeneity compared to the influence of the connection points between the macropores. Keywords: Ptychography X-ray CT, permeability, isoporous nanostructures, fluid flow simulation.