Carbon Dioxide Confined in Silica Aerogel in the Vicinity of the Bulk Critical Point

What is it about?

The density of a fluid adsorbed by a silica aerogel depends on the distance from the adsorbing surface. Approximating the density profile by a two-value step function, it possible to determine the values of the two densiites from the neutron small-angle intensities. We report the results of this analysis in the case of Carbon dioxide in the vicinity of its bulk critical point.

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Why is it important?

This method of analysis allows a more accurate determination of the density of a fluid next to an adsorbing wall and confirms that the notion of critical point is no longer important in these physical conditions.

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