The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras has made a trailblazing discovery in the field of science. This team of diligent Indian researchers has succeeded in synthesizing tiny water cages or Clathrate Hydrates, which contain minute amounts of methane and carbon dioxide. The synthesis was conducted under extreme low-pressure and ultra-cold temperature conditions that mimic those found in deep space.
Understanding Clathrate Hydrates
Clathrate Hydrates, also referred to as Gas Hydrates, are essentially solid structures of water that enclose small non-polar molecules such as methane and carbon dioxide. Under terrestrial conditions, these hydrates are naturally formed in areas like under the seabed and glaciers, where high pressure meets low temperatures. Notably, they can also be located on Earth’s ocean floor and its permafrost regions.
Formation of Clathrate Hydrates
Traditionally, the development of clathrate hydrates is known to need high pressures and moderate temperatures. However, this recent discovery is surprising since it shows the formation of these hydrates at extremely low pressures and ultra-cold temperatures. The research showed that prolonging the experiment at very low temperatures increased the mobility of methane molecules, subsequently leading them into the cage of water molecules forming methane hydrate.
The Uses and Significance of Clathrate Hydrates
Hydrates hold significant promise when it comes to energy production and storage. Increasingly being perceived as a potential future source of fuel, many global nations, including India, have initiated projects to explore hydrates present on ocean bed. They could offer a safe, efficient means for storing and transporting gases.
| Purpose | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Carbon Sequestration | Trapping carbon dioxide in hydrates could help tackle global warming, as it allows for the sequestering of carbon dioxide gas as solid hydrates under the seabed. |
| Sustainable Energy Source | The development of technology to harvest Gas Hydrates could ensure the energy security of the nation and beyond. |
Gas Hydrate Exploration in India
Under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, a comprehensive research-oriented gas hydrates program was launched during the 11th Plan (2007-12) period. This program emphasizes scientific innovation and technology development with several key objectives including understanding the distribution of gas hydrates in marine sediments, developing techniques for detection and quantification of gas hydrates, studying the impact of hydrate dissociation on the climate and geological environment, and developing environment-safe technology for commercial production on a pilot scale.
The National Centre For Polar And Ocean Research
The National Centre For Polar And Ocean Research (NCAOR), a division of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has been appointed as the nodal agency for implementing the scientific aspects of the study. The National Gas Hydrate Programmes (NGHP) initiative, which was initiated in 1997, is another key player in this field. The NGHP is led by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and technically coordinated by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH).