Research Projects

The ability to predict the fate and transport of CO2 injected during geologic carbon sequestration requires understanding of geochemical reactions and transport processes at relevant conditions. The project aims to enhance our comprehension of how chemical reactions and transport processes are coupled in diffusion-limited carbon sequestration systems. This objective will be accomplished through the integration of bench-scale experiments, mathematical modeling, and advanced solution and solid characterization techniques. In this regard, a mathematical model will be developed to determine the rates and mechanisms of wollastonite dissolution and carbonation as a function of temperature, CO2 pressure, and salinity conditions that are relevant to geological CO2 sequestration. This model will be validated with experimental data for the optimization of the reaction conditions. The characterization techniques, such as ICP-MS, SEM, XRF, XRD, TGA, Carbon Analyzer, and FTIR, will be used to characterize the samples during carbonation reactions.