CRC: Gas Hydrates: from fundamental theory to hydrogen transport

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This award supports the collaborative efforts of Kenneth C. Janda, V. Ara Apkarian, William S. Reeburgh (University of California-Irvine), Kenneth D. Jordan (University of Pittsburgh), Stefan G. Llewellyn Smith (University of California-San Diego) and Subramanian Iyer (Energetics, Inc.) to understand hydrate-clathrates. Hydrate-clathrates are a unique class of substance in which water molecules form a crystal lattice with open cavities that can cage guest gas molecules, such as hydrogen, methane or carbon dioxide, without chemical bonding. This team of scientists and engineers will 1) advance the theoretical description of gas-hydrate systems; 2) test theory against experiments on real systems 3) use the results from atomistic level studies to refine macroscopic models for simulating the behavior of gas hydrates over long time scales in complex environments found in nature; 4) test the macroscopic model against marine data; 5) predict changes to the global methane budget under various global warming scenarios; 6) investigate the utility of hydrate-clathrates to transport and store carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Gas-hydrates can impact both the global environment and energy resources. Large quantities of methane are stored as hydrates deep in the ocean. This reservoir of methane is a potential new source of energy, but also a potentially dangerous source of global warming. While hydrate-clathrates offer a benign energy storehouse for hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases, they are also can cause obstructions in high-pressure methane pipelines. This project is funded through the Collaborative Research in Chemistry Program (CRC) and provides outstanding opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to acquire knowledge and skills in very broad areas of research, including experimental and theoretical physical chemistry, marine chemistry, and mechanical and environmental engineering. These topics will also be presented to high school teachers in a special summer institute.