Work

Analysis of Hydrate Formation Kinetics and Wall-Climbing Growth Regulation Using Biofriendly Promoters: Synergistic Effects of Erioglaucine Disodium Salt and Sugar Alcohol

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The high toxicity, excessive foaming, and wall-climbing behavior of traditional promoters limit their large-scale use in hydrate-based gas storage and separation. Environmentally friendly and efficient hydrate management strategies are needed. We used sapphire cell for comparative analysis of kinetic dynamics and wall-climbing morphology during hydrate formation under sugar alcohol (SA) and erioglaucine disodium salt (EDS). Microscopic analyses explored the mechanisms of EDS and SA on hydrate formation, with comparisons to amino acids. This is the first report on the synergistic effects of SA and EDS, both of which exhibit excellent biocompatibility and degradability, not only in significantly enhancing hydrate formation but also in regulating hydrate wall-climbing behavior. Three distinct modes of hydrate wall-climbing were observed at varying concentrations of EDS and SA. At a concentration of 4 ppm EDS + SA, hydrates exhibited an "antenna growth" mode, characterized by delayed promotion and a significantly prolonged induction time compared to the film formation time. In contrast, 200 ppm EDS + SA demonstrated a strong synergistic effect, drastically reducing both film formation and induction times. Microscopic characterizations revealed that while EDS + SA enhanced the selectivity of the hydrate for CH4, it did not alter the hydrate cage structure. However, unique filamentous hydrates were observed through visual inspection and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). These findings suggest a novel mechanism in which a hydrophobic skeletal network promotes hydrate formation and regulates wall-climbing behavior. The EDS + SA combination holds promise for large-scale hydrate applications, offering efficient promotion and wall-climbing control.

Source: Energy & Fuels

DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.5c00996

Authors: Kunlin Ma, Dongliang Li, Jingsheng Lu, Decai Lin, Deqing Liang

Institutions: University of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion

Language: English

Topic: Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: green

Funders: Special Project for Marine Economy Development of Guangdong Province, National Key Research and Development Program of China