A computational study of CH4 storage in porous framework materials with metalated linkers: Connecting the atomistic character of CH4 binding sites to usable capacity

Abstract

To store natural gas (NG) inexpensively at adequate densities for use as a fuel in the transportation sector, new porous materials are being developed. This work uses computational methods to explore strategies for improving the usable methane storage capacity of adsorbents, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), that feature open-metal sites incorporated into their structure by postsynthetic modification. The adsorption of CH4 on several open-metal sites is studied by calculating geometries and adsorption energies and analyzing the relevant interaction factors. Approximate site-specific adsorption isotherms are obtained, and the open-metal site contribution to the overall CH4 usable capacity is evaluated. It is found that sufficient ionic character is required, as exemplified by the strong CH4 affinities of 2,2′-bipyridine-CaCl2 and Mg, Ca-catecholate. In addition, it is found that the capacity of a single metal site depends not only on its affinity but also on its geometry, where trigonal or "bent" low-coordinate exposed sites can accommodate three or four methane molecules, as exemplified by Ca-decorated nitrilotriacetic acid. The effect of residual solvent molecules at the open-metal site is also explored, with some positive conclusions. Not only can residual solvent stabilize the open-metal site, surprisingly, solvent molecules do not necessarily reduce CH4 affinity, but can contribute to increased usable capacity by modifying adsorption interactions.