Energy & Fuels, Vol.19, No.2, 573-583, 2005
Preparing a suitable material designed for methane storage: A comprehensive report
The preparation of a suitable material designed for methane storage is addressed in the present paper. The main features of methane as an energy source are first recalled, and adsorption is recognized as one of the most efficient ways of storing it. The ideal adsorbent is described next, and it is argued that the best candidates are among microporous carbonaceous materials. Preparation of the most relevant carbon requires appropriate choice of both the precursor and its mode of activation. A discussion leads to the conclusion that anthracites chemically activated with alkaline hydroxides are especially adapted for the intended application, because the highest intrinsic molar capacities ever found so far in the open literature are obtained. However, because of their low density, only low-volume storage capacities are attained with such materials. It is then shown that simple processing allows a significant densification, and, therefore, the formerly accepted target for a viable application of methane as an alternative fuel-150 VN delivered at 25 degrees C-is finally met and even exceeded. Thus,the present work is a comprehensive report explaining how a recent problem was solved through a systematical approach.