Coupling of an Anionic Surfactant and Electric Field Enhances Methane Hydrate Kinetics

This study investigates the persistent challenges in the industrial application of natural gas hydrates, particularly the low formation rate and limited reaction extent. The combination of an electric field (EF) and the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) led to a marked enhancement in the kinetics of methane hydrate formation. A systematic investigation of key parameters, including EF waveform, voltage, and SDS concentration, demonstrated that moderate EF strengths (500–1500 V) significantly enhanced the hydrate formation rate by 80% to 113% when using square and ramp waveforms. This approach also alleviated mass transfer blockage associated with rapid reactions while maintaining a high gas and water conversion efficiency. Mechanistic studies reveal that the EF facilitates the directional migration of charged particles in solution while potentially inducing premature SDS micellization, thereby modulating its effectiveness. This work will advance the fundamental understanding of EF effects on gas hydrate formation and provide important theoretical and technical support for industrial scale applications of natural gas hydrate technology.