Capillary condensation is said to occur when, in porous solids,
multilayer adsorption from a vapour proceeds to the point at which pore spaces are filled with liquid separated
from the gas phase by menisci. The concept loses its sense when the dimensions of
the pores are so small that the term meniscus ceases to have a physical significance.
Capillary condensation is often accompanied by
hysteresis.
Source:
PAC, 1972, 31, 577
(Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units, Appendix
II: Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry)
on page 588
See also:
PAC, 1976, 46, 71
(Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units - Appendix
II. Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry. Part II:
Heterogeneous Catalysis)
on page 76