A novel superhydrophilic anti-hydrate surface through building a non-freezing water layer for enhanced aqueous self-lubrication

The anti-hydrate surface is considered as a promising solution to prevent gas hydrate blockages. Previously, superhydrophobic surfaces have been investigated. But their surface micro structures are easily damaged and lack durability, thereby leading to promote hydrate nucleation and increase the adhesion of hydrates to the wall. In this work a hydrophilic dual network gel coating Zr4+/D-Gel was proposed and tested for the inhibition tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrates formation as an example and for the reduction of the adhesion force of hydrates on the wall surface. In comparison to the uncoated surface, the Zr4+/D-Gel hydrophilic coating significantly prolongs the induction time for THF hydrate formation and diminishes the adhesion strength of THF hydrates. Moreover, THF hydrates in contact with the Zr4+/D-Gel coating exhibit a cycle of formation and decomposition over time, and a distinct unfrozen water layer was observed at the solution edges during hydrate formation. This work may provide novel insights and direction for the safe and efficient exploitation and transportation of natural gas hydrates.