Gas storage within nanoporous material encapsulated by ice

Current porous materials for gas storage, such as methane and hydrogen, require extreme temperatures or pressures, limiting their practical application. Here, we propose a novel method for high-density gas storage within nanoporous materials at ambient pressure by leveraging the natural properties of water. Specifically, we demonstrate that silicalite-1, which maintains dry micropores while its surface is wetted by water, can effectively encapsulate gas molecules at elevated pressures when the surrounding water is frozen into ice. The gas remains securely stored at temperatures below the freezing point, and its release is easily controlled by moderate heating above the freezing point. This innovative approach offers a simple, safe, and efficient solution for gas storage at ambient pressure conditions. © 2024 The Royal Society of Chemistry.