Smog Solution: Russian Scientists Unlock Gas Hydrate Secret

Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a laboratory method for extracting carbon dioxide from industrial emissions using gas hydrates. The study demonstrates that the technology can capture up to 98% of CO₂ depending on the fuel type, though the authors note that industrial application requires testing under continuous gas flow and real-world contamination conditions. The Mechanism of Gas Capture The method relies on gas hydrates—crystalline compounds where gas molecules are trapped inside a water shell. The structure of the crystal lattice allows the hydrate to selectively absorb carbon dioxide while leaving other components of the flue gas mixture outside. Once the hydrate is formed, it can be regasified to produce concentrated CO₂ for storage or industrial use. This approach differs from cryogenic distillation or chemical adsorption by replacing expensive chemical reagents with water, which the researchers state reduces the risk of equipment corrosion.