Revealing nanoscale sorption mechanisms of gases in a highly porous silica aerogel.

ABSTRACT: Geological formations provide a promising environment for the long-term and short-term storage of gases, including carbon dioxide, hydrogen and hydro-carbons, controlled by the rock-specific small-scale pore structure. This study investigates the nanoscale structure and gas uptake in a highly porous silica aerogel (a synthetic proxy for natural rocks) using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and small-angle and ultra-small-angle neutron scattering with a tracer of deuterated methane (CD₄) at pressures up to 1000 bar. The results show that the adsorption of CD₄ in the porous silica matrix is scale dependent. The pore space of the silica aerogel is fully accessible to the invading gas, which quickly equilibrates with the external pressure and shows no

SUBMITTER: Vu PNH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11460400 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature