Predicting the Features of Methane Adsorption in Large Pore Metal-Organic Frameworks for Energy Storage

Currently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are receiving significant attention as part of an international push to use their special properties in an extensive variety of energy applications. In particular, MOFs have exceptional potential for gas storage especially for methane and hydrogen for automobiles. However, using theoretical approaches to investigate this important problem presents various difficulties. Here we present the outcomes of a basic theoretical investigation into methane adsorption in large pore MOFs with the aim of capturing the unique features of this phenomenon. We have developed a pseudo one-dimensional statistical mechanical theory of adsorption of gas in a MOF with both narrow and large pores, which is solved exactly using a transfer matrix technique in the Osmotic Ensemble (OE). The theory effectively describes the distinctive features of adsorption of gas isotherms in MOFs. The characteristic forms of adsorption isotherms in MOFs reflect changes in structure caused by adsorption of gas and compressive stress. Of extraordinary importance for gas storage for energy applications, we find two regimes of Negative gas adsorption (NGA) where gas pressure causes the MOF to transform from the large pore to the narrow pore structure. These transformations can be induced by mechanical compression and conceivably used in an engine to discharge adsorbed gas from the MOF. The elements which govern NGA in MOFs with large pores are identified. Our study may help guide the difficult program of work for computer simulation studies of gas storage in MOFs with large pores.