Adsorption of Ethane (С2Н6) onto a La–BTC Microporous Metal–Organic Framework Structure at High Pressures

The absolute adsorption of ethane onto a La–BTC metal–organic framework (MOF) structure, which was prepared using such a rare metal as lanthanum, was examined within a pressure range of 0.1–4 MPa at temperatures of 303.0, 313.0, 323.0, and 333.0 K. As follows from the experimental data on the adsorption of С2Н6 onto a La–BTC MOF obtained in the present study, the adsorption isotherms are reversible, and the amount of adsorbed molecules increased with pressure and decreased with rising temperature. The isosteres of adsorption plotted in coordinates lnP = f(1/T) at constant adsorption values are well described by linear functions at all pore fillings. The dependences of isosteric differential molar heats of ethane adsorption onto a La–BTC MOF on the value of adsorption were calculated for the studied range of temperatures. It was shown that the La–BTC MOF is a microporous adsorbent and can be employed for extracting ethane from natural gas.