Compound clathrate hydrate on Titan's surface

Abstract

Large‐scale multicomponent (compound) clathrate hydrate formation is stable relative to water ice on the surface of Titan. Compound clathrate hydrates are nonstoichiometric crystal of guest molecules trapped inside cages of varying sizes formed by latticeworks of water molecules. They have shorter induction periods and faster reaction rates than pure clathrate hydrates. Compound hydrate is a likely sink for many chemicals occurring on Titan's surface, including ethane, xenon, and other preferred clathrate formers. Water, whose availability is the main control to hydrate formation on Titan, moderates hydrate formation given its relatively small abundance compared to the other hydrate‐forming components.