The effects of graphene oxide nanosheets and Al2O3 nanoparticles on the kinetics of methane + THF hydrate formation at moderate conditions

Abstract

Gas hydrates, as a novel technology for storage and transportation of natural gases, have attracted many researchers. High pressures and low-temperatures demand, and slow kinetics of hydrates formation are the two critical challenges. In this study, mixed tetrahydrofuran (THF) and aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3) or graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets solutions were prepared, and their effects on the kinetics of methane hydrate formation were investigated. Also, the mechanism of hydrate formation in the presence of these nanoparticles is discussed. The concentrations in the systems were 5 and 15 wt% for THF, 100, 300, and 400 ppm for GO, and 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 wt% for Al2O3. It is concluded that 15 wt% THF solutions decline the induction time, and promote the mole of consumed gas, rate of gas uptake, apparent rate constant of hydrate growth, storage capacity, and water to hydrate conversion comparing to 5 wt% systems. In addition, adding the nanoparticles to THF solutions declines the induction time, enhances the gas consumption during the initial minutes, and increases the rate of gas consumption, and the apparent rate constant of hydrate growth; however they have no significant effect on the final mole of gas consumed, storage capacity, and water to hydrate conversion.