Fundamental and applied research on gas hydrates

Fig. 1: Water molecules (red) arranged in hydrogen bonded cavities which are stabilized by incased gas molecules (grey)

Gas hydrates are ice-like solids composed of water and gas molecules (e.g.CH₄ and CO₂), whereby water molecules build a three-dimensional network encasing the gas molecules. Our experiments focus on theoretical and applied gas hydrates research. At laboratory conditions, we study the thermodynamic and physical properties of natural and synthetic hydrate samples with respect to phase behaviour, dissociation enthalpy and heat capacity as well as formation and dissociation processes and kinetics. The experimental conditions are close to nature and therefore serve as basis for understanding the behaviour of natural gas hydrates and the development of innovative methods for the production of methane gas from hydrate-bearing sediments or the sequestration of CO₂ in form of gas hydrates in sediments.

 

• Contact person:  Dr. Judith Schicks