Impact of environmental variables on hydrate formation kinetics in porous media systems and their contribution to CO₂ capture and storage

Abstract

Global dependence on fossil fuels has led to escalating atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions. The consecutive greenhouse effect poses a serious threat to the human habitat, rendering carbon dioxide abatement a key focus in contemporary research. Hydrate-based CO₂ sequestration offers a promising pathway for carbon capture and storage, though its efficiency is strongly influenced by pressure, salinity, and sediment properties. In this study, the kinetic characteristics and occurrence states of CO₂ hydrates in porous media were systematically investigated under varying pressures (3.0-3.6 MPa), NaCl concentrations (0-3.5%), and sediment types (quartz sand vs kaolinite). Results reveal a non-linear pressure dependence—gas storage capacity increases by 16.3% as pressure rises from 3.0 MPa to 3.3 MPa, but diminishes to 9.4% with further increase to 3.6 MPa. NaCl exhibits dual inhibitory effects: Thermodynamically shifting the phase equilibrium leftward in the P-T domain and kinetically suppressing growth, with 3.5% NaCl systems exhibiting persistently slow hydrate formation. Sediment type also plays a critical role, as kaolinite’s low-permeability clay structure substantially impedes hydrate formation compared to quartz sand while altering hydrate distribution patterns. Understanding the interplay between pressure-driven efficiency gains and inhibitor-mediated stability control across diverse geological environments is essential for optimizing hydrate-based CO₂ storage strategies.

Keywords

CO₂ hydrate / Combustible ice / Carbon storage / Hydrate-bearing formatiom / Carbon neutrality / Porous media / Experimental research / Environmental variables / Sediment types (quartz + kaolinite) / Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)

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