Long-term degradation of adsorbed natural gas storage in the MOF Basolite C300 due to Cn≥2 alkanes accumulation

Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) storage using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is a promising alter- native for efficient natural gas storage at moderate pressures. However, the presence of higher alkanes in natural gas mixtures can significantly affect storage performance by reducing methane adsorption capacity. Basolite C300, a well-studied MOF, offers high volumetric methane storage, but its long-term efficiency in real-world conditions remains a challenge due to potential pore blockage from hydrocarbon accumulation. This study investigates the long-term impact of Cn≥2 alkanes on the adsorption capacity of Basolite C300. Volumetric storage capacities of methane, individual alkanes, and a natural gas mixture were measured at 20 °C. The material underwent 100 adsorption-desorption cycles to assess the progressive impact of Cn≥2 alkanes on methane storage. The experimental results revealed a 63% reduction in methane storage capacity after 100 cycles, highlighting the detrimental effect of alkane accumulation. Higher alkanes were preferentially adsorbed within Basolite C300 micropores, leading to progressive pore blockage and decreased methane uptake. These findings underscore the critical role of gas composition in ANG systems and emphasize the need for mitigation strategies, such as selective pre-adsorption or regeneration techniques, to maintain long-term storage efficiency in MOF-based gas storage applications.