Model-Free: Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) Analysis

Analysis

Activation Energy

Pre-exponential

Master Plot

Conversion Fit

Advantages

Disadvantages

 

The Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) analysis is an integral isoconversional method, where the measurements are analyzed for multiple conversion levels. At least two dynamic measurements with positive heating rates are required.

The determination of the activation energy is using the points at the same conversion (0.01, 0.02, …, 0.99) from the measurements at different heating rates. There is no assumption about the reaction type.

 

Analysis

Analysis shows a graphic of Log(HeatingRate/T2) vs. inverse temperatures of the points at the same conversion. Linear fit curves are shown for each conversion value specified:

Which of these isoconversional lines are shown, can be defined (All, None, Default, Custom):

 

Activation energy and pre-exponential results are found from the slope and intersect of these linear fits.

The calculated Correlation R is explained in section Statistics.

 

Activation Energy

Pressing

shows the calculated activation energy including error bar – if the checkbox Show Error Bars is activated:

 

Pre-Exponential Factor

Pressing

shows the calculated pre-exponential including error bar – if the checkbox Show Error Bars is activated:

The chart presents decimal logarithm of pre-exponential factor.

Master Plot

Pressing

shows the calculated ratio f(α)/f(0.5):

The ratio f(α)/f(0.5) is useful for graphical estimation of the reaction type for single-step processes.

 

Conversion Fit

Pressing

shows experimental and simulated values, where the simulation is done based on the results of the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) analysis:

In this case, the mismatch between data and simulated values indicates that the analysis according to Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) might not be reliable. Nevertheless, this method produces in this case simulated curves with two reaction peaks like the experimental data have.

 

Advantages

Advantages of this method:

  • for multiple-step reactions without parallel reaction steps
  • each reaction point is evaluated

 

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of this method:

  • suitable only for dynamic measurements
  • for parallel and independent reactions, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall gives the mean values of Ea