Grain-based activated carbons for natural gas storage.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Growing global energy demand and environmental concerns necessitate alternatives to gasoline.
• Natural gas is a potential alternative fuel, but efficient storage in vehicles remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the technical feasibility of adsorbed natural gas (ANG) storage in motor vehicles using biomass-derived activated carbons.
• To optimize the preparation of activated carbons from sorghum and wheat for enhanced methane storage capacity.

Main Methods:

• Activated carbons were prepared from biomass (sorghum, wheat) via chemical activation.
• Porosity was analyzed using nitrogen adsorption; methane storage capacity was evaluated.
• Comparative analysis with commercial activated carbons (charcoal-based) was performed.

Main Results:

• Highest storage factor for compacted grain-based activated carbons (sorghum) was 89 (bulk density 0.65 g/cm³).
• Highest storage factor for compacted commercial activated carbons (Calgon) was 106 (bulk density 0.70 g/cm³).
• Storage factor increased linearly with bulk density and was independent of compaction.

Conclusions:

• Biomass-derived activated carbons, particularly from grain sorghum, are suitable candidates for ANG storage.
• Optimized grain-based activated carbons offer a promising pathway for efficient natural gas vehicle fuel storage.