Abstract
Natural methane hydrates are believed to be the largest source of hydrocarbons on Earth. These structures are formed in specific locations such as deep-sea sediments and the permafrost based on demanding conditions of high pressure and low temperature. Here we report that, by taking advantage of the confinement effects on nanopore space, synthetic methane hydrates grow under mild conditions (3.5 MPa and 2 °C), with faster kinetics (within minutes) than nature, fully reversibly and with a nominal stoichiometry that mimics nature. The formation of the hydrate structures in nanospace and their similarity to natural hydrates is confirmed using inelastic neutron scattering experiments and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. These findings may be a step towards the application of a smart synthesis of methane hydrates in energy-demanding applications (for example, transportation).
Highlights
Natural methane hydrates are believed to be the largest source of hydrocarbons on Earth
Actual depletion of fossil fuel reserves all around the world has addressed the attention of governments and scientists towards natural methane hydrates reservoirs, based on the assumption that they could be a major energy resource in the near future (if 100% of the cavities are filled with methane, one volume of hydrate would dissociate into a maximum of 180 volumes (STP) of methane)
Taking into account these premises, natural gas (NG) storage and transportation in the form of gas hydrates could be envisaged as a promising alternative, provided that they can be synthesized under mild conditions and within reasonable time scale
Summary
Natural methane hydrates are believed to be the largest source of hydrocarbons on Earth. Natural methane hydrates are crystalline solids that form when methane and water comes into contact under thermodynamically favourable conditions, that is, high pressure (typically more than 6 MPa) and relatively low temperature (slightly below room temperature), giving rise to an ice-like hydrogen-bonded structure[1]. Under these conditions, natural hydrates crystallize in a cubic structure known as type sI. Taking into account these premises, NG storage and transportation in the form of gas hydrates could be envisaged as a promising alternative, provided that they can be synthesized under mild conditions (low pressures and mild temperatures) and within reasonable time scale
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
