Optimization of water-saturated superabsorbent polymers for hydrate-based gas storage

Gas hydrates are an environmentally benign and cost-effective gas storage media that can store gas molecules in a lattice formed by hydrogen bonds between water molecules. To utilize gas hydrates on an industrial scale, the formation rate of gas hydrates must be improved. In this study, superabsorbent polymer (SAP) having a three-dimensional porous polymeric network was used to promote the formation of natural gas hydrates. SAP can absorb water efficiently and improve the kinetics of natural gas hydrates without mechanical agitation by expanding the gas-water interfacial area. The promotion effect of SAP is affected by various factors: the formation rate of natural gas hydrate and its reproducibility are determined by how water is dispersed over the SAP powders. Moreover, as the SAP is less crosslinked, the natural gas hydrate formation occurs more rapidly. The amount of saturated water is also a critical factor in determining the formation rate and yield of natural gas hydrates. Through this study, we provide engineering data to design hydrate-based gas storage media in a quiescent system for a large-scale application.