Edward P. Ladner

Formation and dissociation studies for optimizing the uptake of methane by methane hydrates

Abstract Characteristics such as temperature and pressure profiles for methane hydrate formation and dissociation in pure water, simulated seawater, and water–surfactant systems have been established. A hysteresis effect has been observed for repeated formation–dissociation cycles of the same methane–water system. In an attempt to maximize the uptake of methane during methane hydrate formation, the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate provided methane uptake of over 97% of the theoretical maximum uptake. Additional surfactants were tested for their ability to enhance the uptake of methane for hydrate formation. Successful demonstration of efficient methane storage using hydrate formation enhanced by addition of surfactants could provide a safe, low-cost alternative method for storage of natural gas at remote locations.

Surface characterization of alkali-treated coals

The surface interactions of alkali with coal and mineral matter have been studied by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) to establish a basis for predicting the relative reactivity of alkali with sulphur during coal beneficiation processes. The speciation of sulphur in coals doped with various alkali salts was determined and quantified after heating the mixtures to 648 K in air or N2, then washing with water. Organic and pyritic sulphur on the surface react with alkali when heated, and the sulphide or oxidized sulphur product can then be washed from the coal. The extent of reaction between the alkali salt and surface sulphur is governed by the size of the cation and the electronic properties of the anion; larger alkali cations are more effective in promoting the reactivity of surface sulphur, as are anions with stronger nucleophilic properties.

Carbon catalysts for reactions relevant to coal liquefaction

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the preparation of catalysts based on chemically activated coals. The catalytic activity of the activated coals are measured in microtests for carbon–carbon bond cleavage on 4-(1-naphthylmethyl)bibenzyl (I) and for dehydroxylation and hydrogenation on 2-hydroxynaphthalene (II). The activation of coal or other materials with potassium hydroxide (KOH) give high surface area active carbons developed on a limited industrial basis, but the materials usually exhibit very low activity as catalysts in the reactions of interest for coal liquefaction. A procedure for coal activation with KOH, which increases the catalytic activity and gives materials with higher activity than the much more expensive carbonized polymers and carbon blacks, is described in the chapter.

Novel Techniques for the Conversion of Methane Hydrates

Abstract While methane hydrates hold promise as an energy source, methods for the economical recovery of methane from the hydrate must be developed. Effective means of converting the natural gas into a more useful form, such as the photocatalytic oxidation of methane to methanol, may address some of the needs for methane recovery and use. Methanol retains much of the original energy of the methane, and is a liquid at room temperature, which alleviates some of the concerns about fuel transportation and storage. Desired characteristics of the natural gas conversion process include selectivity toward methanol formation, efficiency of conversion, low cost, and ease of use of the conversion method. A method for the conversion of methane to methanol involving a photocatalyst, light, and an electron transfer molecule, is described. Moreover, novel use of the formation of a methane hydrate as a means of maximizing the levels of methane in water, as well as providing the reactants in close proximity, is described. This method demonstrated successful conversion of methane contained in a methane hydrate to methanol.