Scientists develop ice that captures methane in just two minutes

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed an innovative ice-like material, called amino-acid-modified ice, that can capture methane gas 30 times faster and with 30 times greater storage capacity than conventional ice-based methods. This material forms a solid methane hydrate under near-freezing conditions in just over two minutes, compared to hours required by traditional techniques. The breakthrough leverages naturally occurring amino acids, which alter the ice’s surface properties to create tiny liquid layers that facilitate rapid methane hydrate crystal growth, resulting in a porous, sponge-like structure ideal for gas capture. This new method offers a safer, greener, and more efficient alternative to current natural gas storage techniques, which are typically energy-intensive and costly, such as high-pressure containment or liquefied natural gas at −162°C. The amino-acid-modified ice is reusable, biodegradable, and avoids chemical surfactants, making it environmentally friendly. It also allows on-demand methane release through gentle heating, after which the