DYNAMIC AND THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF CLATHRATE HYDRATES

Vibrational spectra and thermodynamic properties of ices and the cubic structure I (CS-I) clathrate hydrate have been studied by the lattice dynamics method. The phonon density of states for the empty hydrate framework and for xenon hydrate have been determined; the vibrational frequencies of the guest molecules in large and small cavities have been found. The stability of the hydrate with respect to the external pressure at low temperatures and its thermodynamic stability at temperatures around 0°C have been studied. It has been found that the empty hydrate framework is unstable in certain temperature and pressure regions. A definite degree of occupation of the large cavities by the guest molecules is necessary for the hydrate to become stable. It has been found that there is a maximum of the critical temperature at which the hydrate exists, which is a function of the external pressure. © 1990 Kluwer Academic Publishers.