Solubility of Methane in Water at the Presence of β-Cyclodextrin, SDS, and Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes at Low Temperatures

Abstract

In this research, the solubility of methane in water at presence of β-cyclodextrin (CD), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and multiwall carbon nanotubes (NTs) have been investigated. The tests were performed at the pressures 3 and 5 bars and temperatures of 1–3°C. For any solution, data of vessel pressure versus time and the total absorption capacity were collected. NTs were dispersed in water by using SDS solution with a concentration of 1 wt% and applying ultrasonic agitation for 25 min. Addition of 0.5 wt% cyclodextrin increased the capacity of methane absorption as much as 14.63% at temperature 1°C and primary pressure of 3 bar. Dissolution capacity increased up to 5.26% by using NT along with SDS at the pressure of 5 bar and low temperatures. Simultaneous usage of CD, SDS, and NT (the solution containing 1 wt% CD, 0.1 wt% SDS, and 1 wt% NT) had the highest effect on the increase of amount and rate of dissolution. The amount of dissolution increases for this solution was 14.63% at temperature 1°C and the primary pressure 3 bar. Utilization of CD, SDS, and NT and their mixture improved the initial dissolution rate of methane at low temperatures.