Design of high pressure differential volumetric adsorption measurements with increased accuracy

High pressure adsorption measurements for light gases on volumetric equipment are prone to error. Differential units reduce the sensitivity to leakage, gas compressibility, and temperature gradients, but remain highly sensitive to volume uncertainties, the calibration of which is difficult in the presence of low-density, microporous samples. Calibration error can be reduced using a high initial pressure differential and large calibration volume; however, systematic error is prevalent in the literature. Using both analytical and multivariate error analysis, we demonstrate that calibration of the differential unit with the differential pressure transducer significantly decreases volume sensitivity. We show that hydrogen adsorption to GX-31 superactivated carbon at 298 K and 80 bar can be measured with a 7 % error in measurement (i.e. within 0.05 wt% for a 100 mg sample), even when experimental volume calibration is determined only within ~1 %. This represents approximately a 2–7 fold increase in sensitivity relative to previous reports using differential measurements. We also provide a framework for optimizing the design of a volumetric adsorption unit. For virtually any system design, the improved differential methods offer a significant increase in precision relative to the conventional volumetric measurement (from 10- to over 250-fold, depending on the precision of the pressure transducer). This improvement further enhances advantages of the differential unit, in addition to advantages that arise for treating gas compressibility and temperature fluctuations.     

Net adsorption: a thermodynamic framework for supercritical gas adsorption and storage in porous solids

The thermodynamic treatment of adsorption phenomena is based on the Gibbs dividing surface, which is conceptually clear for a flat surface. On a flat surface, the primary extensive property is the area of the solid. As applications became more significant, necessitating microporous solids, early researchers such as McBain and Coolidge implemented the Gibbs definition by invoking a reference state for microporous solids. The mass of solid is used as a primary extensive property because surface area loses its physical meaning for microporous solids. A reference state is used to fix the hypothetical hyperdividing surface typically using helium as a probe molecule, resulting in the commonly used excess adsorption; experimentalists measure this reference state for each new sample. Molecular simulations, however, provide absolute adsorption. Theoreticians perform helium simulations to convert absolute to excess adsorption, mimicking experiments for comparison. This current structure of adsorption thermodynamics is rigorous (if the conditions for reference state helium measurements are completely disclosed) but laborious. In addition, many studies show that helium, or any other probe molecule for that matter, does adsorb, albeit to a small extent. We propose a novel thermodynamic framework, net adsorption, which completely circumvents the use of probe molecules to fix the reference state for each microporous sample. Using net adsorption, experimentalists calibrate their apparatus only once without any sample in the system. Theoreticians can directly calculate net adsorption; no additional simulations with a probe gas are necessary. Net adsorption also provides a direct indication of the density enhancement achieved (by using an adsorbent) over simple compression for gas (e.g., hydrogen) storage applications.     

Influence of acid treatment on structure of clinoptilolite tuff and its adsorption of methane

This study presents the results of the methane adsorption properties of clinoptilolite tuff from Bigadic, Turkey and that of acid treated forms at 273 and 293 K up to 100 kPa using volumetric apparatus. In order to assess changes in structural and gas adsorption properties of clinoptilolite, zeolite sample was treated with acid solutions of varying concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 M) at 70 °C during 3 h. Structural and thermal characterization of natural and acid treated clinoptilolite samples were carried out using a combination of techniques such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric, differential thermal analysis and nitrogen adsorption methods. At both temperatures, uptake of methane (CH₄) increased in the following order: CLN < CLN-H2 < CLN-H1 < CLN-H05 < CLN-H01. CH₄ adsorption capacities of the original and acid treated clinoptilolites were found in the range of 0.476–0.910 mmol/g and 0.398–0.691 mmol/g at 273 and 293 K, respectively.     

Estimation of the average heat of gas adsorption from the adsorption isotherm measured at supercritical temperatures and pressures

Using a high-precision volumetric—gravimetric experimental unit, the adsorption iso-therms of methane, argon, and nitrogen were measured at pressures of 0.1—40 MPa and at temperatures of 303—373 K on four carbon adsorbents with different porosities. To calculate the characteristic energy and average heat of adsorption of gases in the supercritical region, two parameters, which characterize an adsorptive were introduced: critical temperature T _c of the gas and the analog of the saturated vapor pressure “P _s”, which is defined assuming that densities of an adsorbate and an adsorptive are equal. The average heats of gas adsorption well agree with the average isosteric heats for the adsorption systems over the entire pressure and temperature intervals under study.     

Kinetic investigation of the textile bleaching process

Volumetric H₂-uptake measurements on an Mo₂N (79 m²g^–1) sample reduced at 673 K have been carried out and the uptake isotherms in the temperature range of 308–623 K have been determined. Both the total and reversible hydrogen uptake increased with the uptake temperature. The irreversible hydrogen uptake increased abruptly when the uptake temperature was raised up to 423 K. The maximum of irreversible hydrogen uptake was measured at 473 K. The H_IR/Mo ratio calculated from the uptakes obtained in the temperature range of 308–623 K varies in the range of 0.0010–0.0202. One possible mechanism for hydrogen adsorption is proposed to be heterolytic dissociation on Mo-N paris, in which the molybdenum atoms are in unsaturated coordination.     

A new calorimeter for simultaneous measurement of isotherms and heats of adsorption

A new calorimeter designed for simultaneous measurements of heats and isotherms of gas adsorption and desorption systems is presented. It consists of a volumetric/manometric gas adsorption instrument, the adsorption vessel of which is placed within a second vessel filled with inert gas. This gas acts as a sensor, as not only its temperature but also its pressure is increased if heat is released from the adsorption vessel via the sensor gas to its thermostated surroundings. Indeed, the time integral of the sensor gas pressure signal turned out to be strongly related to the total heat released from the adsorption vessel.A basic theoretical equation of the measurement procedure is given. Results of numerous calibration measurements are presented. The question of what type and amount of sensor gas should be used to achieve high sensitivity of the instrument is discussed.Two examples of measurements of heats of adsorption and adsorption isotherms are given, namely adsorption of N₂ on alumina oxide (CRM-BAM-PM-104) at 77 K and CO₂ on zeolite Na13X and wessalite DAY both at 298 K.     

Hydrogen storage capacity characterization of carbon nanotubes by a microgravimetrical approach

An accurate gravimetric apparatus based on a contactless magnetic suspension microbalance was developed. This unit was used to measure the hydrogen storage capacity for a variety of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at room temperature and hydrogen pressures up to 11.5 MPa. The results show that regardless of their synthesis methods, purities, and nanostructures all investigated CNT products possess relatively low hydrogen storage capacities (<0.2 wt %). For comparison, the adsorption characteristics of theses samples were also measured at a pressure of 0.1 MPa and liquid nitrogen temperature (approximately 77 K) by a conventional volumetric approach. The methodological aspects related to the accuracy of the hydrogen uptake measurements are also discussed.     

Gravimetric,Volumetric And Calorimetric Studies of The Surface Structure of Portland Cement

Dry cement powder and hardened cement paste were characterised by means of laser granulometry and volumetric measurement of the nitrogen adsorption isotherm at 77 K. Water sorption isotherms at ambient temperature were measured stepwise by means of a gravimetric apparatus. The isotherms show a very large hysteresis loop, reaching down to zero relative pressure, which reflects swelling of the cement gel. Thermoporometric measurements reveal that swelling of that gel consists in water take up within the continuously growing structure; no stable pore structure could be observed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Physical adsorption of gases: the case for absolute adsorption as the basis for thermodynamic analysis

We discuss the thermodynamics of physical adsorption of gases in porous solids. The measurement of the amount of gas adsorbed in a solid requires specialized volumetric and gravimetric techniques based upon the concept of the surface excess. Excess adsorption isotherms provide thermodynamic information about the gas-solid system but are difficult to interpret at high pressure because of peculiarities such as intersecting isotherms. Quantities such as pore density and heats of adsorption are undefined for excess isotherms at high pressure. These difficulties vanish when excess isotherms are converted to absolute adsorption. Using the proper definitions, the special features of adsorption can be incorporated into a rigorous framework of solution thermodynamics. Practical applications including mixed-gas equilibria, equations for adsorption isotherms, and methods for calculating thermodynamic properties are covered. The primary limitations of the absolute adsorption formalism arise from the need to estimate pore volumes and in the application to systems with larger mesopores or macropores at high bulk pressures and temperatures where the thermodynamic properties may be dominated by contributions from the bulk fluid. Under these circumstances a rigorous treatment of the thermodynamics requires consideration of the adsorption cell and its contents (bulk gas, porous solid and confined fluid).     

The vibrational spectra of hexafluorocyclobutene and 1,2-dichlorotetrafluorocyclobutene

Infra-red spectra of hexafluorocyclobutene and 1,2-dichlorotetrafluorocyclobutene were recorded in the region 4000-50 cm⁻¹ in the vapour phase, in solution and as amorphous and crystalline solids at ca 90 K. Raman spectra of the liquids, including semiquantitative polarization measurements, of the amorphous and crystalline solids at ca 90 K, and of gaseous hexafluorocyclobutene at room temperature were recorded. The fundamental frequencies of both compounds were assigned in terms of C_2υ symmetry, although small deviations from this symmetry cannot be excluded.     

测量多孔粉体扩散系数和孔分布的实验装置

多孔粉体在介孔和微孔范围内的表征需要专业的实验仪器,这限定了对该类材料全面的表征只能在大型实验室中进行.本文提出了一种改进的BET测量装置,其核心部件是高精度的压差传感器,这种设备让小型实验室也可以测量多孔粉体的内扩散系数和孔分布.使用数值解析方法和蒙特卡罗模拟方法分析了测量扩散系数实验的数据.     

用于气/固吸附的微分吸附热测定装置

本文介绍了一套吸附热测定装置, 它是对法国SETARAM高温量热计进行了适当变动后而建成的。用它可以测定在室温～800 K范围内气/固吸附的微分吸附热。在实验过程中, 吸附量是用光标微压计进行测量。用电标定法代替标准物质法来测定该装置的热定量因子, 这更适合于在恒温条件下的吸附热测定。用这套装置测定了吡啶在HY分子筛上于不同温度下的吸附热。     

Further results on the triple point temperature of pure Ne and Ne

The paper reports further results following the 2010 determinations at INRIM of the triple point temperature of the neon isotopes ²⁰Ne and ²²Ne, obtained on nearly-pure samples sealed in cryogenic cells, carrying an uncertainty much lower than the previous determinations. The further results, performed in the same experimental apparatus with an expanded uncertainty (k ≈ 2) of ≈30 μK for a single cell and ≈50 μK for the comparison of sample pairs, were obtained using the same model of cryogenic metal sealed cell for each sample, and by measuring different samples from the same gas batch of each isotope and from different gas batches showing a different content of isotopic and chemical impurities. The new determinations were intended to check the effect of measuring different samples and the gas batches, and of performing corrections based on different analytical assays for the isotopic and chemical impurities. The new results are in agreement with the previous determinations, confirming, with greater confidence, the value of the temperature difference for the two pure isotopes, 0.14658 K with an expanded uncertainty of 0.00007 K, and the temperature values on ITS-90 24.5422 K for ²⁰Ne and 24.6888 K for ²²Ne, within the larger expanded uncertainty, 0.00032 K, due to the present ambiguity of the ITS-90 definition. These values are also consistent with new determinations published by other laboratories. In addition, the ITS-90 values of INRIM 2010 determinations of T_tp of samples of neon (INRIM Ec2Ne, INRIM E4Ne, PTB Ne12, NPL Ne2) of natural isotopic composition with different ²²Ne amount concentrations are reported, consistent with the values obtained for pure isotopes.     

Inorganic ion-exchangers in radioactive waste management</p> </p>

Summary The uptake of indigenously synthesized amorphous stannic and zirconium phosphate was assessed for, one of the important fission fragment, cesium from aqueous solutions using a radiotracer technique. A virtual increase in sorptive concentration (from 1.0 ^. 10^-8 to 1.0 ^. 10^-2 mol ^. dm^-3) and pH (from 2.4 to 10.2) and temperature (from 303 to 333 K) enhanced the uptake of cesium on stannic phosphate. However, the extremely high degree of uptake of cesium on zirconium phosphate was almost unaffected with the dilution beyond 10^-5 mol ^. dm^-3 and pH (i.e., from 2.4 to 10.2) and temperature (from 303 to 323 K). Irreversible uptake occurring for these solids follow the Freundlich adsorption isotherm and the presence of several complexing agents viz., sulphate, phosphate, glycine and EDTA did not affect appreciably the uptake of cesium on zirconium phosphate but it did affect for stannic phosphate system. Both these solids showed good radiation stability towards a 11.1 GBq Ra-Be neutron source having neutron flux ca. 3.2 ^. 10⁶ n ^. cm^{-2 .} s^-1 and associated with a nominalg-dose of ca. 1.72 Gy/h, at least for the uptake of cesium.</p> </p>     

Computational design of tetrahedral silsesquioxane-based porous frameworks with diamond-like structure as hydrogen storage materials

A novel type of three-dimensional (3D) tetrahedral silsesquioxane-based porous frameworks (TSFs) with diamond-like structure was computationally designed using the density functional theory (DFT) and classical molecular mechanics (MM) calculations. The hydrogen adsorption and diffusion properties of these TSFs were evaluated by the methods of grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results reveal that all designed materials possess extremely high porosity (87–93 %) and large H₂ accessible surface areas (5,268–6,544 m² g^?1). Impressively, the GCMC simulation results demonstrate that at 77 K and 100 bar, TSF-2 has the highest gravimetric H₂ capacity of 29.80 wt%, while TSF-1 has the highest volumetric H₂ uptake of 65.32 g L^?1. At the same time, the gravimetric H₂ uptake of TSF-2 can reach up to 4.28 wt% at the room temperature. The extraordinary performances of these TSF materials in hydrogen storage made them enter the rank of the top hydrogen storage materials so far.     

氢在A、X及ZSM-5型沸石上的高压物理吸附

The hydrogen adsorption properties and uptake capacities of the A, X and ZSM-5 types of zeolites were investigated at temperatures of 77, 195 and 293 K and pressures up to 7MPa, using a conventional volumetric adsorption apparatus. All hydrogen adsorption isotherms were basically type I, but the maximum in isotherm,a unique feature of supercritical adsorption, was observed at high pressures of 2-5 MPa at 77 K. The isosteric heats of adsorption were determined from the isotherms and the factors that influence their variations were discussed. Different types of zeolites exhibited remarkably different hydrogen uptake, based on both the framework structure and the nature of the cations present. The highest gravimetric storage capacity of 2.55wt% was obtained for NaX-type zeolite at 4 MPa and 77 K. In CaA, NaX and ZSM-5 types of zeolites,hydrogen uptakes were proportional to the specific surface areas, which were associated with the available void volumes of the zeolites. A threshold in hydrogen adsorption observed in NaA and KA was attributed to a pore blocking effect by large cations in KA. A ratio of the kinetic diameter of adsorbate to the effective opening diameter of zeolite was used to judge the blocking effect for physisorption.     

Charge and discharge of methane on phenol-based carbon monolith

Methane adsorptions on various synthesized and commercial activated carbons were assessed in a volumetric apparatus for the design of an efficient adsorbed natural gas storage system. Based on the methane adsorption equilibrium results from different carbon based materials, a monolith was also produced from RP-20. Dynamic studies were also performed for the prepared monolith and the pelletized commercial Norit-B4 activated carbon. The temperature variation in RP-20 monolith was analyzed and compared with those of Norit-B4 and a blank test, which consisted of a run without a sample. The temperature variation in RP-20 monolith was quite high compared to that observed with Norit-B4 and the blank test because of a higher isosteric heat of adsorption and a high packing density.     

Evaluating methane storage targets: from powder samples to onboard storage systems

The development of a viable adsorbed natural gas onboard fuel system involves synthesizing materials that meet specific storage target requirements. We assess the impact on natural gas storage due to intermediate processes involved in taking a laboratory powder sample to an onboard packed or adsorbent bed module. We illustrate that reporting the V/V (volume of gas/volume of container) capacities based on powder adsorption data without accounting for losses due to pelletization and bed porosity, grossly overestimates the working storage capacity for a given material. Using data typically found for adsorbent materials that are carbon and MOF based materials, we show that in order to meet the Department of Energy targets of 180 V/V (equivalent STP) loading at 3.5 MPa and 298 K at the onboard packed bed level, the volumetric capacity of the pelletized sample should be at least 245 V/V and the corresponding gravimetric loading varies from 0.175 to 0.38 kg/kg for pellet densities ranging from 461.5 to 1,000 \(\hbox {kg m}^{-3}\) . With recent revision of the DOE target to 263 V/V at the onboard packed bed level, the volumetric loadings for the pelletized sample should be about 373 V/V.     

Synthesis of phase-pure interpenetrated MOF-5 and its gas sorption properties

For the first time, phase-pure interpenetrated MOF-5 (1) has been synthesized and its gas sorption properties have been investigated. The phase purity of the material was confirmed by both single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction studies and TGA analysis. A systematic study revealed that controlling the pH of the reaction medium is critical to the synthesis of phase-pure 1, and the optimum apparent pH (pH*) for the formation of 1 is 4.0-4.5. At higher or lower pH*, [Zn(2)(BDC)(2)(DMF)(2)] (2) or [Zn(5)(OH)(4)(BDC)(3)] (3), respectively, was predominantly formed. The pore size distribution obtained from Ar sorption experiments at 87 K showed only one peak, at ~6.7 ?, which is consistent with the average pore size of 1 revealed by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Compared to MOF-5, 1 exhibited higher stability toward heat and moisture. Although its surface area is much smaller than that of MOF-5 due to interpenetration, 1 showed a significantly higher hydrogen capacity (both gravimetric and volumetric) than MOF-5 at 77 K and 1 atm, presumably because of its higher enthalpy of adsorption, which may correlate with its higher volumetric hydrogen uptake compared to MOF-5 at room temperature, up to 100 bar. However, at high pressures and 77 K, where the saturated H(2) uptake mostly depends on the surface area of a porous material, the total hydrogen uptake of 1 is notably lower than that of MOF-5.     

Magnetic Suspension Balance For Simultaneous Measurement of a Sample and the Density of the Measuring Fluid

This paper deals with gravimetric measurements of adsorption equilibria of gases on the surface of porous solids with a new type of magnetic suspension balance. Items discussed include the measurement of adsorption data at high pressure and temperature as well as the simultaneous measurement of adsorption and the density of the adsorptive gas using only one magnetic suspension balance. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.