Fluid In hyDrophobic mEsopores and cLathrates formatIOn – FIDELIO

Our goal is to bring new insights for the design and best use of nanoporous materials for energy applications. We focus on the conversion mechanism of mechanical and interfacial energies observed by high-pressure intrusion-extrusion of liquids, its consequences on the properties of confined liquid, such as water and aqueous solutions and the optimization of these properties for hydrates formation and their storage under hydrophobic confinement conditions. The objectives of the FIDELIO project are twofold: - define the thermodynamic properties of the confined water and aqueous solutions (water + salt or alcohol or gas solute), such as the local density, organization, mobility and gas solubility, as a function of the energetics of fluid/wall interactions in nanoporous materials with adjustable hydrophobicity, - promote the formation of gas hydrates under confinement and the possible speed up of the nucleation kinetics by enhancing interfacial effects and contact between the guest molecule and water. At each step, new experimental devices and methods will be developed and implemented, In a subsequent step, the phase transitions of gas hydrates will be explored when confined in the same conditions down to atmospheric pressure. The FIDELIO project should provide new pathways for gas storage and separation applications in easily accessible P-T phase diagram. In this context, it will be necessary to look at presumed “green” materials from a holistic viewpoint involving life cycle thinking and multiple environmental criteria.