Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1416480 | Carbon | 2011 | 9 Pages |
A combination of experiments and molecular simulations has been used to further understand the contribution of gas adsorption to the carbon dioxide (CO2) selectivity of nanoporous carbon (NPC) membranes as a function of temperature and under mixed gas conditions. Whilst there have been various publications on the adsorption of gases onto carbon materials, this study aims to benchmark a simulation model with experimental results using pure gases. The simulation model is then used to predict mixed gas behaviour. These mixed gas results can be used in the assessment of NPC membranes as a suitable technology for both carbon dioxide separations from air-blown syngas and from natural gas. The gas adsorption experiments and molecular simulations have confirmed that CO2 is more readily adsorbed on nanoporous carbon than methane (CH4) and nitrogen (N2). Increasing the temperature reduces the extent of adsorption and the CO2 selectivity. However, the difference between the CO2 and N2 heats of adsorption is significant resulting in good CO2/N2 separation even at higher temperatures.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Gas adsorption of CO2, N2 and CH4 on nanoporous carbon determined experimentally. ► Experimental results used to validate molecular simulations. ► Simulations extended to mixed gas adsorption systems. ► Increasing the temperature reduces carbon dioxide sorption and the CO2 selectivity. ► However, good CO2/N2 separation is observed even at higher temperatures.