Characterization of adsorbent composite blocks for methane storage

Abstract Adsorbent composite blocks for natural gas adsorption have been produced by mixing PX-21 and expanded natural graphite (ENG), followed by consolidation in a mould. These composite blocks of 10–30% weight ratio of expanded natural graphite and 430–480 kg m−3 apparent density have shown good methane adsorption capacities and good heat and mass transfer properties. Volumetric methane adsorption capacity (V/V) of adsorbent composite blocks produced is in the range of 110–125 V/V. Permeability increases with weight ratio of ENG, and thermal conductivity, in the range of 2–10 W m−1K−1, is much higher than activated carbon packed bed. These good transfer properties of the adsorbent composite blocks will enhance performances of on-board natural gas vehicles in terms of delivered methane volume under realistic dynamic conditions.