Project Info
Desalination using a clathrate hydrate technology
Carolyn Koh
ckoh@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
Clathrate hydrates are crystalline solids comprised of hydrogen-bonded water cages that can trap small guest molecules (e.g., CO2). In the presence of saline solution, clathrate hydrate crystals will form, while excluding the salt ions from the water cages, such that separating the clathrate hydrate crystals from the concentrated saline solution can produce fresh water. A key challenge to advance the clathrate hydrate technology for desalination is understanding the interfacial interactions that control crystal nucleation and growth, which will be the focus of this project.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Provide access to clean water.
Khan, M.N., Xu, H., Peters, C.J., Koh, C.A. 2022. Current Challenges in Hydrate‐Based Desalination: Kinetic & Thermodynamic Perspective. The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1002/cjce.24599
Khan, M. N., Peters, C. J., Koh, C. A. 2019. “Desalination Using Gas Hydrates: The Role of Crystal Nucleation, Growth and Separation”. Desalination, 114049. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2019.06.015
Primary Contacts:
Carolyn Koh, ckoh@mines.edu
Josh Worley, jworley@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
Fundamental chemistry or chemical engineering related coursework. Laboratory safety training.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
5 hours per week
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
Research training on crystal nucleation and growth, interfacial tension, image analysis.
MENTORING PLAN
Weekly group and individual meetings; Laboratory training with graduate students.
PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS
Sophomore
Junior