Comparative study of methane adsorption on metal organic frameworks and activated carbons

Abstract

The use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles has grown considerably in Thailand. Unfortunately, the energy density of CNG is approximately one-third of gasoline, hence, more CNG is needed in order to travel the same distance when compared to gasoline at the same size of vessel container to increase the storage capacity of CNG, the use of adsorbents that can well adsorb natural gas is suggested. The purpose of this study is to compare methane adsorption capacity on Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs); Basolite C300 and Basolite Z1200; and activated carbons derived from coconut shell, eucalyptus and coal. The volumetric adsorption apparatus was used to determine the amount of methane adsorption. Methane was pressurized up to 900 psia, and the temperature was set at 303, 308, and 313 K. The adsorbents were also characterized for physical properties. The results show that the gravimetric amount of methane adsorption is highest when using Basolite C300, followed by Baolite Z1200, Eucalyptus Powder Activated Carbon, Coconut Shell Granular Activated Carbon, Calgon, and Coconut Powder Activated Carbon. The experimental data were best fitted by Sips isotherm model.