Insertion of N2 into the Channels of AFI Zeolite under High Pressure

Abstract

We present an experimental study of a new hybrid material where nitrogen is encapsulated in the channels of porous zeolite AlPO4-5 (AFI) single crystals by a high-pressure method. The high-pressure behavior of nitrogen confined inside the AFI nano-channels is then investigated by Raman spectroscopy up to 44 GPa. Under pressure, the Raman modes of confined nitrogen show behaviors different from those of the bulk nitrogen. After the return to atmospheric pressure, it is demonstrated that non-gaseous nitrogen can be effectively stabilized by being confined inside the intact AFI sample. This result provides new insight into nitrogen capture and storage technologies.