Resumen de Gas Hydrates: From Laboratory Curiosity to Potential Global Powerhouse
Robert E. Pellenbarg, Michael D. Max
Clathrates are a nonstoichiometric class of compounds that consist of a three-dimensional host molecule lattice and voids in the lattice that can be occupied by guest molecules, particularly common gases (e.g. methane, CH4). Where the host crystal structure is water the clathrate is termed a hydrate; these are the focus of increasing research. Methane (natural gas) hydrates are now recognized to occur in huge volumes in deep marine sediments and permafrost. These naturally occurring hydrates may constitute the next major energy resource of the planet and could provide the basis for the transition from our present petroleum economy to one based on methane.
