Characterisation of porous hydrogen storage materials: carbons, zeolites, MOFs and PIMs.

Porous materials adsorb H2 through physisorption, a process which typically has a rather low enthalpy of adsorption (e.g. ca.

Nitrogen and hydrogen adsorption by an organic microporous crystal.

Quick on the uptake: Following its identification during a targeted search, the intriguing crystal structure of 3,3',4,4'-tetra(trimethylsilylethynyl)biphenyl was investigated. Simple removal of the included solvent provides an organic crystal with an open microporous structure that has a striking similarity to that of zeolite A (see picture). Reversible adsorption of nitrogen and hydrogen gases at 77 K confirms that the microporosity is permanent.