Objective Given the crucial role of efficient small-scale storage and transportation of natural gas in achieving the “dual carbon” goals, the utilization of adsorption-hydration synergy for storage and transportation offers several advantages, including mild storage conditions, high safety, and strong reliability, indicating significant potential for broad applications.

Methods This paper focuses on the adsorption-hydration approach, which harnesses the advantages of both adsorption and hydration methods for methane storage and transportation in nanoporous media. By examining a substantial body of relevant literature, the paper provides a systematic review of research progress across multiple aspects, including the formation mechanisms of methane hydrates in nanopores, the dynamic models of hydrate formation, and the control mechanisms of adsorption-hydration coupling in nanoporous media.

Results Regarding the formation mechanism of methane hydrates in nanopores, significant impacts arise from the characteristics of porous media, including pore sizes, surface groups, and their hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. The adsorption-hydration coupling under the nano-confinement effect plays a crucial role in this process. However, the influence pattern of forces exerted by the pore walls on the adsorption and diffusion of methane molecules remains unclear. Although numerous studies have established dynamic models to represent hydrate formation, these models do not adequately account for the nano-confinement effect. It is recommended to develop a universal prediction model that simulates hydrate formation rates under various conditions by coupling multiple models that address microcosmic effects, such as fluid heat and mass transfer, as well as gas adsorption. Research on the control mechanisms of adsorption-hydration coupling indicates that factors such as water content, surface properties of adsorbent materials, temperature, pressure, pore size, and particle size are closely linked to methane storage density and hydrate growth rates. Notably, water content and the surface properties of adsorbent materials jointly determine the distribution pattern of pre-adsorbed water, which subsequently influences the adsorption-hydration process. Currently, however, there is a lack of technical means to comprehensively analyze and optimize the coupling among these key factors.

Conclusion Although storage and transportation technology via adsorption-hydration synergy demonstrates significant application potential, several challenges continue to impede its research and development. Future research should focus on overcoming the bottlenecks encountered in elucidating the nano-confinement effect mechanism to enhance dynamic models and develop comprehensive optimization technologies. This approach will facilitate industrial applications, providing robust technical support for achieving the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goals while advancing sustainable development in the energy sector.