(180i) Effect of Additives Chain Lengths on the Solubility of Methane and Hydrogen for Applications in Flow Assurance, Storage and Transportation

In the present scenario of energy sustainability, this study presents the effect of additives chain lengths on the solubility of methane and hydrogen gas in the solvent media and the application from the perspectives of flow assurance, energy storage and to ensure the long distance transportation of high energy density fuels safely. When the length of the alkane chain is increased, the solubility of methane gas in aqueous solutions decreases. In order to explain this phenomenon, it is necessary to consider the differences in molecular structure and intermolecular interactions that exist between shorter-chain and longer-chain alkanes. Due the van der Waals contacts between the molecules of methane and water are weak, short-chain alkanes, such as methane, have a comparatively poor solubility in water. This is due of the weak interactions. Increasing the length of the alkane chain of the additives results in a rise in the amount of carbon atoms as well as the hydrophobic character of such molecules in the aqueous phase, which in turn leads to an increase in the solubility of the hydrophobic molecules such as methane and hydrogen more towards the additives than in water.

When compared to methane, the solubility of longer-chain alkanes, such as ethane, propane, and butane, in aqueous solutions is significantly different. The greater hydrophobic interactions between longer-chain alkane molecules and water molecules are the cause of the higher solubility. These interactions result in increased dissolution in water, which in turn provides the enhanced solubility. When it comes to the development of effective gas storage and transportation systems, having a solid understanding of the link between the length of the alkane chain and the solubility of methane is something that is absolutely necessary. In aquatic situations, researchers and engineers are able to develop ground-breaking methods for capturing, storing, and making use of methane and hydrogen gas. This is an extremely important factor in the development of environmentally friendly energy solutions.