Volume 54

Effects of various ionic solutions on the methane hydrate formation kinetics in deep-sea cold seep environments Yue Zhang, Jing-Chun Feng, Bin Wang, Yan Xie, Si Zhang, Zhifeng Yang

Abstract

The study of methane hydrate formation kinetics in various ionic solution systems helps to understand the hydrate formation characteristics in deep-sea cold seep environments, providing insights into methane conversion. The ionic composition and ratio in seawater play an important role in the nucleation and growth of methane hydrate. In this study, we investigated the formation behaviors of methane hydrate in varied ionic solutions and in-situ seawater. It was found that, compared with in pure water system, the inhibition of hydrate formation in the solutions was in the following order: NaCl ＞ seawater ＞ MgCl2 ＞ CaCl2 ＞ SrCl2. The experimental results of this study can provide a reference for further exploration of methane hydrate formation in cold seep environments, and can also contribute to an effective response to the challenge of climate change and the goal of carbon neutrality.

Keywords methane hydrate, ions, seawater, formation kinetics