Work

Hydrates Formed with Binary CH4/C2H6 Mixtures: Effects of Adding 25–75 vol% Ethane on the Quantity of Hydrates Formed, Growth Mechanism and Structure Preservation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores the production of hydrates with binary (CH4/C2H6) gaseous mixtures, varying the concentration of each species from 25 to 75 vol%. The thermodynamics of this process are explored in detail, and the achieved results are explained in terms of cage occupancy and compared with the phase boundary equilibrium conditions of pure methane and pure ethane hydrates. The addition of ethane is found to not contribute significantly to the quantity of gas captured in hydrates. Conversely, it delays the massive growth of hydrates, shifting the process towards conditions supporting the formation of pure methane hydrates. The presence of C2H6 molecules within the hydrate lattices improved their overall stability and avoided the dissociation of water cages even under temperature increases (from the conditions measured at the end of formation) up to 14.40 °C. This latter property makes ethane a viable support species for the solid storage of energy gases in the form of hydrates.

Source: C – Journal of Carbon Research

DOI: 10.3390/c11040088

Authors: Alberto Maria Gambelli, Daniela Pezzolla, Federico Rossi, Giovanni Gigliotti

Institution: University of Perugia

Language: English

Topic: Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930