Nanotechnology and Gas Storage

A new process for catching gas from the environment and holding it indefinitely in molecular-sized containers has been developed by a team of University of Calgary researchers, who say it represents a novel method of gas storage that could yield benefits for capturing, storing and transporting gases more safely and efficiently.

In a paper published in the current online version of the world's leading material science journal Nature-Materials, U of C chemistry professors George Shimizu and David Cramb and chemistry graduate student Brett Chandler describe their invention of "molecular nanovalves." The researchers developed a unique crystal structure that is able to convert from a series of open channels to a collection of air-tight chambers using simple controls. Potential applications of the nanotechnology include improved methods of capturing and storing gases such as carbon dioxide or hydrogen for environmental or fuel cell purposes. The storage method also allows for high densities of gas to be stored in the material without the need for high pressures, which raise safety concerns related to traditional gas storage techniques.

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