Poröst

Poröst is a synthetic porous ceramic material designed for high-performance filtration, separation, and catalytic support. The name derives from the Swedish word poröst, meaning porous, and it reflects the material’s interconnected void structure. Poröst is defined by its tunable porosity, controllable pore size, and strong thermal stability, enabling use across demanding environments.

Development of Poröst began in the early 2010s through collaborations between the Nordic Materials Institute and several universities. The initial generation, Poröst-1, demonstrated a uniform open-cell network with improved permeability and mechanical integrity compared with earlier ceramic foams, establishing a foundation for further optimization.

Key characteristics of Poröst include porosity typically ranging from about 50% to 80%, with pore sizes spanning 0.1 to 10 micrometers depending on processing. The open-cell architecture provides high surface area and low flow resistance, while the material maintains chemical inertness and thermal stability suitable for aggressive environments. Surface functionalization can be applied to tailor catalytic activity or hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity as needed.

Production methods for Poröst commonly involve templated sol-gel or foam-replication techniques followed by sintering. The material is available in multiple forms, including monolith blocks, ceramic foams, and beads, and can incorporate active oxide phases for catalytic applications. The processes are scalable to industrial sizes, with emphasis on maintaining uniform porosity and strong structural integrity.

Applications of Poröst span filtration of liquids and gases, catalyst supports for hydrocarbon processing and environmental catalysis, separation membranes, and energy-related uses such as electrode scaffolds in certain batteries or supercapacitors. Ongoing research focuses on expanding pore-structure control, surface chemistry, and cost-efficient production.

See also: porous ceramics, ceramic foams, catalyst supports, filtration materials.