Science Daily March 7, 2022
Naturally occurring methane (CH4) hydrates in oceanic sediments have been stable for millions of years kept in place by the natural pressure created by the weight of the seawater above. At low-temperature and under high-pressure conditions created by the ocean, CO2 can be trapped within water molecules, forming an ice-like substance. These CO2 hydrates form at a temperature just above the freezing point of water and can store as much as 184 cubic metres of CO2 in one cubic meter of hydrates. An international team of researchers (Singapore, USA – industry) recreated the conditions of the deep ocean floor creating a macro-scale reactor to form solid hydrates on top and within the silica sand bed. They transitioned the pressurized vessel to mimicking oceanic conditions to observe the stability of the formed solid CO2 hydrates in sediments. The hydrates were observed for 14 to 30 days and were found to show a high degree of stability. In future work they plan to scale up by 10 times with further innovations to develop quantifiable tools and methods for the technology and demonstrate six months stability for the CO2 hydrates…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Graphical abstract. Credit: Chemical Engineering Journal, Volume 432, 15 March 2022, 34290Â