Application of Hybrid Nano-Promoter to the Kinetic Formation of SF6 Gas Hydrates

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) has been used as an insulating gas in electrical transformers and a cleaning gas in industrial fabrication of semiconductors. However, it is known as a strong greenhouse gas. Thus, the application of SF6 needs a new economic and environmental friendly method of capturing fluoride gas. Gas hydrate capturing method can be a potential method for SF6 capturing. Recently, many researchers have tried to apply various organic promoters to increase the formation rate of gas hydrates for using this as gas storage medium. Typical promoters of gas hydrates are ionic surfactants. Although ionic promoters are widely used for the rapid formation of gas hydrates, development of a new promotional system based on materials is still a challenge. Nano-materials have been brought to academic attention due to their unique properties compared to their bulk counterparts. For example, nano-sized materials have high surface area-to-volume ratio, which can be make them more reactive. Especially, metal nano-powders have been used for catalysis in chemical engineering. In this study, we present a kinetic evaluation of hybrid nano-promoter for promoting the formation of SF6 gas hydrates. As a result, the hybrid promoter showed excellent effect on the formation of SF6 hydrates.