Geochemistry in Geological CO 2 Sequestration: A Comprehensive Review

Jemal Worku Fentaw, Hossein Emadi (), Athar Hussain, Diana Maury Fernandez and Sugan Raj Thiyagarajan
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Jemal Worku Fentaw: Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Hossein Emadi: Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Athar Hussain: Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Diana Maury Fernandez: Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Sugan Raj Thiyagarajan: Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-35

Abstract: The increasing level of anthropogenic CO 2 in the atmosphere has made it imperative to investigate an efficient method for carbon sequestration. Geological carbon sequestration presents a viable path to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering the captured CO 2 deep underground in rock formations to store it permanently. Geochemistry, as the cornerstone of geological CO 2 sequestration (GCS), plays an indispensable role. Therefore, it is not just timely but also urgent to undertake a comprehensive review of studies conducted in this area, articulate gaps and findings, and give directions for future research areas. This paper reviews geochemistry in terms of the sequestration of CO 2 in geological formations, addressing mechanisms of trapping, challenges, and ways of mitigating challenges in trapping mechanisms; mineralization and methods of accelerating mineralization; and the interaction between rock, brine, and CO 2 for the long-term containment and storage of CO 2 . Mixing CO 2 with brine before or during injection, using microbes, selecting sedimentary reservoirs with reactive minerals, co-injection of carbonate anhydrase, and enhancing the surface area of reactive minerals are some of the mechanisms used to enhance mineral trapping in GCS applications. This review also addresses the potential challenges and opportunities associated with geological CO 2 storage. Challenges include caprock integrity, understanding the lasting effects of storing CO 2 on geological formations, developing reliable models for monitoring CO 2 –brine–rock interactions, CO 2 impurities, and addressing public concerns about safety and environmental impacts. Conversely, opportunities in the sequestration of CO 2 lie in the vast potential for storing CO 2 in geological formations like depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, coal seams, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) sites. Opportunities include improved geochemical trapping of CO 2 , optimized storage capacity, improved sealing integrity, managed wellbore leakage risk, and use of sealant materials to reduce leakage risk. Furthermore, the potential impact of advancements in geochemical research, understanding geochemical reactions, addressing the challenges, and leveraging the opportunities in GCS are crucial for achieving sustainable carbon mitigation and combating global warming effectively.

Keywords: geochemistry; geological carbon sequestration; CO 2 –brine–rock interactions; CO 2 trapping (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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