THE ROLE OF ALUMINUM OXIDE (Al2O3) NANOPARTICLES IN THE FORMATION OF HYDRATE PHASES IN THE PRESENCE OF METHANE (CH4) AND CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)

In the present study, we investigate the formation processes of methane and carbon dioxide clathrate (gas) hydrates in the presence of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles. Using molecular dynamics modeling, we analyze the influence of various nanoparticle concentrations and thermobaric conditions on hydrate nucleation, growth, and structural organization. The results show that an optimal nanoparticle content (approximately 1 wt.%) significantly reduces the induction period and accelerates the formation of clathrate cages, while simultaneously enhancing gas solubility through localized rearrangement of interfacial interactions in the water-gas-nanoparticle system. However, increasing the nanoparticle concentration above this optimal level leads to higher formation pressures and the emergence of an additional disordered liquid phase, thus constraining further improvements in process efficiency. These findings can be used to develop accelerated hydrate formation technologies for greenhouse gas capture and storage, as well as in cold supply and thermal energy storage systems.