Study of carbon matrix and hybrid nanocomposite for greenhouse gas storage

Abstract

Using the sol–gel preparation method, a Carbon Matrix (CM) based on pyrogallol–formaldehyde and a hybrid NanoComposite (NC) formed by incorporating nickel oxide nanoparticles into the carbon matrix were developed. The obtained samples were heat treated by a tubular furnace under an inert atmosphere and they were characterized by different techniques such as X-ray Diffraction, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Brunner–Emmett–Teller method, Thermogravimetric analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Admittance Spectroscopy. Using a high-throughput experimental approach, measurements of the adsorption capacity of greenhouse gases were performed, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and ethane (C₂H₆). The significant porous texture, the uniform dispersion of metallic nanoparticles within the amorphous matrix and the emergence of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCN) in the hybrid nanocomposite play a key role in the variation of electrical conductivity and the adsorption capacities of real gases. These materials show great promise for greenhouse gas storage applications.