Geoffrey Doback, Mechanical Engineering
Nathaniel Florer, Computer Science
Mentor: Dr. Melba Horton
Frustules (Silica wall) of the diatom Thalassiosira oestrupii were researched for their capability to capture and store methane gas. Zinc chloride has ability to bond to one of the carbon-hydrogen bonds in methane. Methods of doping the frustules composed of silicon dioxide were explored using the zinc chloride, and silzic was found to be the resulting substance. This showed that zinc chloride could be present on the frustules of the diatom. Hence, it is hypothesized that it could be bonded to it creating the potential to bond with methane gas. To achieve the bond, zinc chloride must be vaporized in a vacuum chamber, then an electrical discharge added with methane gas present.
This process will have to occur after doping the diatom with zinc chloride to ensure a bond is achieved. The resulting molecule from the reaction will be methylzinc hydride, which will be bonded to the diatom frustule. The frustules of the doped diatoms could then be harvested in a centrifuge and made into a powder to be distributed onto methane-producing areas such as landfills, cow pastures, and even on Mars for possible space mining for fuel and exploration. Further research and testing is required to determine if this reaction is possible, or if a catalyst is necessary.
