Figure 2
WAXS diffraction pattern showing the formation of the CH4 clathrate hydrate inside the pores of a hydrated hydrophobic reverse-phase silica material. Reflections that are characteristic of CH4 hydrate structures are denoted by `C', whereas reflections attributed to the simultaneous formation of hexagonal ice are indicated with `ice'. The onset of clathrate formation is clearly visible at −57 °C and is accompanied by a decrease in CH4 pressure of ±0.5 bar. |