Current in-car natural gas storage technology has always been a drawback and deterrent to the widespread acceptance of natural gas as an automotive fuel. The size (large) and shape (cylindrical) of CNG tanks makes it difficult to incorporate one into a vehicle (for which it was not pre-designed), without affecting seating, trunk space, etc.

However, a new technology is under development that could revolutionize car fuel natural gas. It allows natural gas to be stored at low pressure in corncob-derived carbon briquettes. Tanks with this technology could be manufactured into just about any shape to meet a vehicle's needs. This has the potential to solve many of the problems associated with high pressure CNG tanks and make natural gas a widely accepted alternative fuel.

Articles

• National Science Foundation
• University of Missouri