New storage nanostructures from BASF could double range of gas-powered vehicles

摘要

Germany - "Natural gas-powered vehicles may soon be able to travel double the distance on a single tank," says Germany's BASF SE of Ludwigshafen, one of the world's largest chemical companies, following a breakthrough in the manufacturing process that permits industrial-scale synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) leading to better gas storage. BASF explains that MOFs are highly crystalline structures with nanometre-sized pores that allow them to store hydrogen and other high-energy gases. The larger specific surface area and high porosity on the nanometre scale enable MOFs to hold relatively large amounts of these gases. The pores are adjustable in terms of size and polarity and so can be fine-tuned for specific applications. With their special structure and large surface area, MOFs open up new opportunities for alternative propulsion systems, says Dr. Friedrich Seitz, head of Research Chemicals at BASF. "We are delighted at this significant advancement in industrial-scale production," says Seitz, "which is a crucial requirement for the commercial use of these fascinating materials."