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Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Methane Hydrate Crystallization on Sessile Water Droplets
Published on: May 26, 2021
Different pathways to anomalous stabilization of ice layers on methane hydrates
Y Li1,2, I Brevik3, O I Malyi4
1School of Physics and Materials Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China.
Abstract:
We explore the Casimir-Lifshitz free-energy theory for surface freezing of methane gas hydrates near the freezing point of water. The theory enables us to explore different pathways, resulting in anomalous (stabilizing) ice layers on methane hydrate surfaces via energy minimization. Notably, we will contrast the gas hydrate material properties, under which thin ice films can form in water vapor, with those previously predicted to be required in the presence of liquid water. It is predicted that methane hydrates in water vapor near the freezing point of water nucleate ice films, instead of water films.
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