Enhanced mass transfer rate of methane in aqueous phase via methyl-functionalized SBA-15

Methyl-functionalized mesoporous silica SBA-15, synthesized from tetraethyl-orthosilicate (TEOS) and methyltriethoxysilane (MTES), were employed as additives for the enhancement of volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) of methane in aqueous solution. The surface functional group, highly ordered structure, and exceptionally high surface area exerted great influence on mass transfer rate of methane in aqueous solution. Especially, the fraction of surface functional groups controlled by adjusting the ratio of TEOS to MTES was found to be a crucial factor. Mesoporous characteristics of synthesized materials were investigated via BET surface area analysis, small angle X-ray diffraction, and FT-IR spectroscopy. At an optimal molar ratio (20:1) of TEOS and MTES, an 88% enhancement of kLa for methane in water was observed at 30 °C.