Petroleum Asphaltene-Based Activated Nanoporous Carbon for CO2 Capture and H2 Storage

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In the present study, we report on how to prepare activated nanoporous carbon materials based on petroleum asphaltenes, readily available and the heaviest component and by-product of crude oil. A thorough characterization of the carbonized nanoporous materials by spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed their synthesis. The nanoporosity of the carbonized materials was displayed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. It was confirmed further by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis showing large surface areas exceeding 2500 and 3000 m2/g. The newly carbonized materials’ architectural rigidity and swelling behavior were tested by the ghost solvent low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) approach. Finally, the gas adsorption capacity of these materials was tested. The porous carbon structures afforded a hydrogen storage capacity of 2.85 wt % at 1 bar, and the highest uptake of CO2 at 1 bar is 28.95 and 19.15 wt % at 0 and 22 °C, respectively. Nanoporous carbonized asphaltenes are promising materials to be applied in various areas as gas-absorbing and CO2-capturing proxies.

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