Search  
DOE Pulse
  • Number 312  |
  • May 24, 2010

Creating a captivating cage for carbon

A tough, hard-working particle known as nZIF-8 can selectively trap and release carbon dioxide from a complex mixture of gases.

A tough, hard-working particle
known as nZIF-8 can selectively
trap and release carbon dioxide
from a complex mixture of
gases.

A tough, tiny particle called nZIF-8 that might be the answer to trapping carbon dioxide impurities in natural gas was designed by scientists at DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Similar capture materials available today are very delicate, unable to tolerate exposure to water and air. But, nZIF-8 is able to withstand a far greater range of conditions. In addition, nZIF-8 meets much of the natural gas industries wish list. The white, hexagonal particles are selective, remove large amounts of carbon dioxide, and can be recharged. A rechargeable material traps its target and then releases it under specific circumstances. In addition, nZIF-8 is affordable and easy to manufacture. It is created at lower temperatures with three off-the-shelf chemicals. This work was funded by DOE's Office of Basic Energy Sciences. Key work was done in DOE's EMSL, a national scientific user facility.

[Kristin Manke, 509.372.6011,
kristin.manke@pnl.gov]