Abstract
Novel nanoporous adsorbent carbon composites have been developed that exhibit an open structure, allowing the free-flow of fluids such that gasses can reach the micropores where they may be selectively adsorbed. Here we report the separation of carbon dioxide from various gas mixtures. Moreover, the composites are electrically conductive. Adsorbed gasses may be efficiently desorbed by the passage of an electric current, thereby allowing for a low energy, electrical swing separation system. A higher density variant of the nanoporous composite has been shown to be an effective natural gas adsorption storage material. Storage capacities of >150 V/V are reported. The methane adsorption capacity of the composites is correlated with the micropore volume. Characterization of the composite microporosity and mesoporosity has been performed using gas adsorption methods, SEM, TEM, and Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). Direct evidence (from in-situ SANS experiments) of the adsorption of gasses in micropores is reported.
