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

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.