Needle-like hematite nano-structure prepared by directed thermolysis of MIL-53 nano-structure with enhanced methane storage capacity

• Nano-MIL-53 was prepared by solvothermal (SMIL-53) and microwave (MMIL-53) methods.
• They have different surface areas and methane adsorption capacities.
• MMIL-53(Fe) nano-structure has the highest methane absorption capacity.
• These nano-structures were transformed into needle-like nano-structures of hematite.

Two different morphologies of MIL-53(Fe) nano-structures with chemical formula of Fe(OH){O2C–C6H4–CO2} were synthesized by solvothermal (SMIL-53(Fe)) and microwave (MMIL-53(Fe)) methods successfully. The resulting nano-structures were transformed into needle-like nano-structures of hematite by heating at 350 °C. Our studies also showed that methane gas storage capacity of MMIL-53(Fe) nano-structure is higher than the bulk material.

Beyond the bulk sample (BMIL-53(Fe)), different morphologies of MIL-53(Fe) nano-structures were synthesized by solvothermal (SMIL-53(Fe)) and microwave-assisted (MMIL-53(Fe)) methods. MMIL-53(Fe) has the highest methane absorption capacity in comparison with two other samples which can be applied at ambient conditions. Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide