Accelerated nucleation of tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrate in presence of ZIF-61

Abstract

Clathrate hydrate can be used in energy gas storage and transportation, CO₂ capture and cool storage etc. However, these technologies are difficult to be used due to the low formation rate and long induction time of hydrate formation. In this paper, ZIF-61 (zeolite imidazolate framework, ZIF) was first used in hydrate formation to stimulate hydrate nucleation. As an additive of clathrate hydrate, ZIF-61 promoted obviously the acceleration of tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrate nucleation. It shortened the induction time of THF hydrate formation from 2–5 h to 0.3–1 h mainly due to the template function of ZIF-61 by which the nucleation of THF hydrate has been promoted.