Hydrate-Based Methane Storage in Biodegradable Hydrogels Absorbing Dilute Sodium P-Styrenesulfonate Solution.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Developing efficient and sustainable reaction media is crucial for hydrate-based methane storage.
• Existing promoters often lack biodegradability or recyclability.
• Polyvinyl alcohol-co-acrylic acid (PVA-co-PAA) hydrogels and sodium p-styrenesulfonate (SS) solutions are investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a hybrid reaction medium for enhanced methane hydrate formation.
• To evaluate the synergistic effects of hydrogels and dilute SS solutions on hydrate kinetics and storage capacity.
• To assess the recyclability and practical application potential of the hybrid medium.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid reaction medium was constructed using PVA-co-PAA hydrogels absorbing dilute SS solutions (1-4 mmol L⁻¹).
• Methane hydrate formation kinetics and storage capacity were measured in the hybrid media.
• The recyclability of the hybrid medium was tested over multiple cycles.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel-SS hybrid media synergistically promoted methane hydrate formation, unlike individual components.
• Methane storage capacities reached up to 122.6 ± 1.9 v/v.
• The hybrid medium improved hydrate compactness and showed good recyclability (≥10 times).

Conclusions:

• The hydrogel-SS hybrid medium offers an effective and eco-friendly solution for methane hydrate formation.
• The system enhances mass transfer and accelerates kinetics through combined hydrogel and SS effects.
• This hybrid medium shows significant potential for application in hydrate-based methane storage technology.