Enhanced volumetric hydrogen and methane storage capacity of monolithic carbide-derived carbon

Carbon-based cryosorbers are generally synthesized in the form of powders, which compromises the volumetric capacity in gas storage applications. Here we report the synthesis of monolithic carbide-derived carbon (CDC) by chlorination of fully-dense ceramic titanium carbide plates. Volume change is minimal, consistent with conformal transformation from TiC to CDC, and the weight loss is consistent with nearly 100% conversion. The resulting materials have a microporous carbon structure with little or no macroporosity and exhibit enhanced volumetric gas storage capacity compared to powder equivalents. Optimized volume uptakes are 35 g L-1 at -196 degrees C and 60 bar for H-2, 193 V(STP) v(-1) at 35 bar and 219 V(STP) v(-1) at 60 bar (25 degrees C) for CH4. Monolithic CDCs thus offer potential as gas storage media for on-board fuel-cells and other applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.