In this Rapid Access request we wish to study in situ formation of methane hydrates in the presence of weakly hydrophilic silica nanospheres. The aim of this research is to enable us to understand and control heterogeneous nucleation at the solid-liquid interface. Urgency stems from recent simulations that have predicted that under the conditions of study, methane, and therefore hydrate, should prefer the bulk to interfacial region. Neutrons and NIMROD are essential for this work, as they will allow us probe the relevant length and timescales, and also to exploit H/D labelling of the methane. In our previously awarded experiment RB1320495 we have successfully studied systems containing planar clay minerals. In this experiment we will study methane hydrate formation in the presence of 20 nm and 100 nm silica nanospheres. This work is part of a BP funded programme ending in December 2014.