Our geochemists quantify high temperature, high pressure rock-water-gas interactions. Using these data, they explore the behavior and fate of CO2 injected into deep subsurface formations, geochemical interactions within geothermal systems, and mineral-aqueous fluid interfacial geochemical processes. We have developed geochemical experimental capabilities at extreme temperatures and pressures, beyond conditions characteristic of environmental geochemistry. Our experimental geochemistry capabilities span from the bench-scale to the nanoscale. Lead contact: Nic Spycher.
Reaction Kinetics
- Crystallographic control of mineral dissolution (K-feldspar, diopside, labradorite, dolomite, etc.)
- Evolution of crystal habit/morphology with dissolution
Fluid Chemistry and Fracture Growth
- Subcritical crack growth using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)
- Quartz and soda-lime glass
- Bending experiments at elevated T, up to 80°C, in deionized water
Phase Partitioning
- Supercritical CO2-water partitioning experimental data of CH4 and Kr
- Theoretical model development
Corrosion
- Time- and temperature-dependence of carbon steel corrosion and formation of potentially protective FeCO3 surface films
- Passivation and passivation breakdown of alloyed materials (e.g., stainless steels)
- Application of electrochemical AC and DC methods (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic polarization, open circuit potential (OCP) measurements) to study the electrical and ionic properties of thin oxide/hydroxide and carbonate films
- Equivalent circuit modeling to quantify these properties
Other
- Deuterium exchanges rates between H2 and H2O
- High-temperature in-situ pH measurements
- Amino acid hydrothermal stability on mineral surfaces