Measurement of adsorption isotherms for storage and cooling applications

Abstract

According to some international organisations, some of our world’s resources might run out within our lifetime. Dwindling natural resources, together with negative environmental impact have become the world’s primary concern. Hence, there is constant demand and search for new sustainable resources to ensure that enough resources are retained for our future generations’ usage. With the increased demand for environmentally friendly and energy efficient technology, many scientists are researching on adsorption and its practical applications.

This project investigates the adsorption characteristics of 4 promising pairs for cooling and storage applications. HKUST-1 Metal Organic framework, FeBTC Metal Organic Framework and Maxsorb III are each paired with Methane at temperatures ranging from 120K to 150K. The pair of Silica Gel and Water is also experimented at temperatures from 308K to 338K. Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs)are used as they are highly porous and have a large surface area. Very little research has been done on the adsorption characteristics of MOFs as of date but these compounds have shown a lot of promise.

These experiments were conducted in a constant volume variable pressure (CVVP) apparatus. The uptake data was then plotted and compared to the Langmuir and Tóth's Isotherm model. The experimental results concluded that Maxsorb III is a better adsorbent of Methane than the two MOFs used. Additionally, Tóth isotherm fit the experimental data better than Langmuir isotherm.