Importance of stability studies on porous certified reference materials

In the development of certified reference materials (CRM), it is necessary to examine appropriate materials in advance for homogeneity and stability to meet the criteria of a CRM. In this case, the materials properties are characterized at the actual time without being possible to give a prognosis for suitability in the following years. It is, therefore, necessary to follow the certified material parameters via a monitoring system over the years on sale. For the current development of CRMs, the gained experience from long-term stability studies about the first generation of porous CRMs is significant. This experience is useful to better assess the suitability of candidate materials and thus develop higher quality CRMs in the future. A comparison between the gas sorption CRM materials silica, activated carbons, alpha alumina and anatase titanium oxides will illustrate the importance of long-term stability studies on porous CRMs.