Methane Adsorption by Carbon Molecular Sieve Derived from Polycarbonate and Polyaniline

Abstract

The adsorptions of methane by carbon molecular sieves (CMS) were investigated at 35°C and 45°C by volumetric apparatus with the pressure range from 0 to 800 psia. CMS was prepared from polymer precursors such as polycarbonate (PC) and polyaniline (PANI) by carbonization under nitrogen inert atmosphere and activation by CO2 at temperature 700, 800 and 900°C. The yield of CMS is decreased with increasing carbonization and activation temperature. The methane adsorption capacity at 35°C of CMS derived from PC is 2.82 mmol CH4/g. The methane adsorption of the samples from PC is higher than those obtained from PANI for the same carbonization and activation. It is interesting to note that the CMS derived from 700 °C carbonization and activation of PC is higher than the samples obtained from 800 and 900°C carbonization and activation. As expected, methane adsorption at 35°C is higher than that at 45°C for all samples. BET surface area and pore analysis was used to characterize the physical properties and relate to the adsorption capacity.