Predicting CH4 adsorption capacity of microporous carbon using N2 isotherm and a new analytical model

A new analytical pore size distribution (PSD) model was developed to predict CH4 adsorption (storage) capacity of microporous adsorbent carbon. The model is based on a 3-D adsorption isotherm equation, derived from statistical mechanical principles. Least squares error minimization is used to solve the PSD without any pre-assumed distribution function. In comparison with several well-accepted analytical methods from the literature, this 3-D model offers relatively realistic PSD description for select reference materials, including activated carbon fibers. N2 and CH4 adsorption data were correlated using the 3-D model for commercial carbons BPL and AX-21. Predicted CH4 adsorption isotherms, based on N2 adsorption at 77 K, were in reasonable agreement with the experimental CH4 isotherms. Modeling results indicate that not all the pores contribute the same percentage Vm/Vs for CH4 storage due to different adsorbed CH4 densities. Pores near 8-9 A?? shows higher Vm/Vs on the equivalent volume basis than does larger pores.