Assistant Prof. Deng Yajun from Julong College (Innovation and Entrepreneurship College), Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU), published an article titled “Effect of material surface on the formation and dissociation of gas hydrate in restricted space between two parallel substrates” in Chemical Engineering Journal (Q1, IF: 16.744), together with Prof. Lu Hailong and his research team from Peking University. Assistant Prof. Deng Yajun, a member of the research team led by Prof. Liu Qingxia, dean of Julong College, is the co-corresponding author and SZTU is the second affiliation. The full text of the article can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.138120.

A series of sequential images showing hydrate formation (a-e) and the three-dimensional concept model of hydrate nucleation at triple-phase contact line (f) [Photo/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.138120]

Natural hydrates are currently regarded as a potential unconventional energy resource since the total amount of natural gas contained in hydrate reservoirs distributed in deep-sea marine sediment and permafrost is enormous. In this work, the researchers study the effect of surface properties on hydrate formation and dissociation. A three-dimensional model, based on the classical nucleation theory, is established to understand the nucleation mechanism of gas hydrate at a triple-phase contact line. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation is applied to compare the effects of two surfaces with different wettability on methane hydrate dissociation. The research results are critical to understanding the properties of hydrate formation and dissociation as well as the accumulation, exploration and development of hydrate.

China boasts rich natural gas hydrate reserves with the estimated prospect resources in the South China Sea reaching approximately 80 billion tonnes of oil equivalent. Shenzhen is adjacent to the South China Sea and has a geographic advantage to carry out natural gas hydrate research and industrialization. The research on marine natural gas hydrate is of great significance to promote the commercial development of hydrates, better utilize marine energy resources in Shenzhen and make the city a world-class center of marine economy.

Drafted by Daisy（姚琦）/ International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Revised by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office

Edited by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office