Gas encapsulation in solid matrices can be an important means to sequester harmful or greenhouse gases and to store useful gases for their subsequent release for a targeted application. In this review, recent developments, the characteristics and gas adsorption capacity of non-organic and organic solid powder matrices (e.g. activated carbons, carbon nanotubes, zeolites, metal-organic frameworks, and cyclodextrins); and potential applications of their complexes in various fields (energy, environment protection, nano-device production, medicine, and food and agriculture productions) are described. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.