Publications Details

Methane Hydrate Formation on Clay Mineral Surfaces: Thermodynamic Stability and Heterogeneous Nucleation Mechanisms

Teich-McGoldrick, Stephanie T.; Hart, David B.; Gordon, Margaret E.; Meserole, Stephen M.; Rodriguez, Mark A.; Thurmer, Konrad T.; Cygan, Randall T.; Yuan, Chunqing; Kimmel, Greg A.; Kay, Bruce D.; Smith, R.S.

Heterogeneous nucleation of methane hydrates has been examined using molecular simulation, experimental bulk synthesis, and scanning probe microscopy. Theoretical nucleation rates were determined using molecular dynamics simulations as a function of clay surface represented by hydrophobic and hydrophilic systems. Methane hydrates were synthesized with and without Na-montmorillonite in a bulk reactor pressure assembly. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy confirm the nucleation and growth of the synthesized hydrates. Various kinetic pathways were explored to produce methane or isobutene clathrates in an ultra-high vacuum apparatus at very low temperatures but scanning probe microscopy only indicates the formation of ice.