The evaluation of threats connected with the presence of methane in coal seams is based on our

knowledge of the total content of this gas in coal. The most important parameter determining the potential

of coal seams to accumulate methane is the sorption capacity of coal a. It is heavily influenced by the

degree of coalification of the coal substance, determined by the vitrinite reflectance R0 or the content of

volatile matter V daf. The relationship between the degree of coalification and the sorption capacity in the

area of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) has not been thoroughly investigated, which is due to the

zonation of methane accumulation in this area and the considerable changeability of methane content in

various localities of the Basin. Understanding this relationship call for in-depth investigation, especially

since it depends on the analyzed reflectance range. The present work attempts to explain the reasons for

which the sorption capacity changes along with the degree of coalification in the area of Jastrzębie (the

Zofiówka Monocline). The relationship between parameters R0 and V daf was investigated. The authors

also analyzed changes of the maceral composition, real density and the micropore volume. Furthermore,

coalification-dependent changes in the sorption capacity of the investigated coal seams were identified.

The conducted analyses have indicated a significant role of petrographic factors in relation to the accumulation

properties of the seams located in the investigated area of USCB.

Hydrogen storage for the purposes of the automotive industry in a form other than under high pressure or cryo conditions has been under careful investigation by researchers over past decades. One of the arising methods is the usage of powdered/granulated beds that contain metal hydrides and/or carbon materials to take advantage of the “spillover” phenomenon. Handling and characterization of such material can be troublesome, which is why the experimental setup needs careful investigation. The apparatus for the analysis of hydrogen sorption/desorption characteristics has been successfully designed and described based on the constructed unit within the scope of this article. The full functionality of that setup covered fuelling the bed as well as the examination of sorption/desorption potential. Moreover, the proposed experimental device can clarify many uncertainties about further development and optimization of hydrogen storage materials.