Why Do Clathrates Form?

CH₄ clathrate (or CH₄ hydrate) is an ice-like compound formed when water freezes in the presence of sufficient CH₄ and other gases, such that these gases become trapped within the water molecule lattice.

How are clathrates formed?

Clathrate is defined as a substance forming a specific crystal structure with holes of appropriate size inside the three-dimensional structure formed by bonding of atoms or molecules, in which other atoms or molecules exist at a fixed composition ratio.

What are clathrates used for?

Other applications of clathrate hydrates include the separation of gases such as CO₂ from flue gases and desalination. Clathrate hydrates can be used in flue gases to separate CO₂ by encouraging the formation of CO₂ clathrate hydrate in a flue gas mixture.