Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.2
4.3
Journals
Nanomaterials
Special Issues
Nanopores and Nanostructures in Tight Reservoir Rocks
nanomaterials-logo
Submit to Nanomaterials Review for Nanomaterials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Nanopores and Nanostructures in Tight Reservoir Rocks

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2026) | Viewed by 1900

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yu Qi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Vehicle and Energy, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
Interests: nanopore architecture of tight reservoirs; carbon sequestration
Prof. Dr. Xianfeng Tan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Petroleum Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
Interests: sedimentology; paleoenvironment; diagenetic systems; reservoir geology
Dr. Long Luo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Petroleum Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
Interests: reservoir geology; diagenetic system
Dr. Hongjian Zhu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Vehicle and Energy, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
Interests: characterization of tight reservoirs; nanostructures

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Nanomaterials is dedicated to advancing research on ​​nanopores and nanostructures in tight reservoir rocks, highlighting their critical role in energy resource recovery and subsurface storage. The Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research that enhances our understanding of nanoscale pores and structures of rocks and their implications in geoscience and engineering. We invite contributions that explore novel characterization techniques, experimental studies, and computational modelling to uncover the fundamental properties and behaviors of nanoporous reservoir rocks. The insights gained from this research will be crucial for petroleum reservoir evaluation, oil and gas extraction, carbon sequestration, and hydrogen storage.

​​Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:​​

  • ​​Nanoscale characterization​​ of pore networks in tight reservoir rocks utilizing high-resolution techniques.
  • Microscale diagenetic evolution and ​​tectonically-induced nanostructures​.
  • ​​Fluid transport and phase behavior​​ in confined nanoporous systems.
  • ​​Geomechanical properties​​ influenced by nanostructures and their impact on hydraulic fracturing.
  • ​​Computational modelling​​ (molecular dynamics, DFT, pore network simulations) of fluid–rock interactions.
  • ​​Geological storage of CO2 and hydrogen in nanoporous reservoir rocks (e.g., shale and coal).

We welcome ​​original research articles​​ that contribute to the advancement of this multidisciplinary field.

Dr. Yu Qi
Prof. Dr. Xianfeng Tan
Dr. Long Luo
Dr. Hongjian Zhu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanopore
  • nanostructure
  • shale
  • coal
  • molecular dynamics
  • geological storage

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

18 pages, 15233 KB  
Article
Study on the Micro-Nano Characteristics of Organic-Rich Shale Reservoirs Under Differential Sedimentation: A Case Study of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation and Upper Permian Dalong Formation Shales in the Sichuan Basin, China
by Jia Wang, Sirui Liu, Tao Wang, Tianzhu Hu, Qi Zhang, Mingkai Zhang, Xinrui Yang and Dunfan Wang
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(7), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16070440 - 3 Apr 2026
Viewed by 401
Abstract
Both the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation and the Upper Permian Dalong Formation shales in southern China are organic-rich with well-developed nanoscale reservoir pores, demonstrating significant shale gas exploration potential. However, the current lack of in-depth research on the differential depositional and reservoir evolution [...] Read more.
Both the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation and the Upper Permian Dalong Formation shales in southern China are organic-rich with well-developed nanoscale reservoir pores, demonstrating significant shale gas exploration potential. However, the current lack of in-depth research on the differential depositional and reservoir evolution characteristics of these two shale sequences has left the main controlling factors of the reservoirs unclear, thereby constraining breakthroughs in shale gas development. Focusing on the Longmaxi and Dalong formation shales in the Sichuan Basin, this study employed various analytical methods, including major and trace element analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-pressure mercury intrusion (HPMI), nitrogen adsorption, CO2 adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Investigations into the depositional paleoenvironment, paleoproductivity, organic matter enrichment, and microscopic difference mechanisms of nanoscale reservoirs reveal that the Longmaxi Formation shale represents a passive continental margin shelf facies. It is characterized by strong terrigenous input, a predominance of quartz and clay minerals, and consists mainly of siliceous and argillaceous shale facies with high organic matter abundance. In contrast, the Dalong Formation shale was deposited in an intra-platform basin under the influence of intra-platform rifting. It features weak terrigenous input, highly reducing conditions, and strong paleoproductivity. Dominated by quartz and carbonate minerals, its lithofacies are primarily siliceous and calcareous shales. Within the Dalong Formation, the diagenetic dissolution of carbonate minerals promotes the development of micrometer-scale pores larger than 100 μm, while the extensive thermal evolution of organic matter fosters the formation of honeycomb- and embayment-like nanoscale micropores and mesopores, rendering it a relatively superior shale reservoir. Ultimately, the high-TOC shales in the lower part of the Longmaxi Formation and the upper part of the Dalong Formation are identified as the primary sweet spot intervals for future shale gas development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanopores and Nanostructures in Tight Reservoir Rocks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 9615 KB  
Article
Organic Matter Enrichment and Reservoir Nanopore Characteristics of Marine Shales: A Case Study of the Permian Shales in the Kaijiang–Liangping Trough
by Xinrui Yang, Liangjun Xu, Huilin Li, Mingkai Zhang, Sirui Liu, Lu Xu, Dongxi Liu, Tong Xia and Jia Wang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(24), 1870; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15241870 - 12 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 542
Abstract
To clarify the organic matter enrichment regularity of Permian shales in the Kaijiang–Liangping Trough, as well as the differential characteristics of their reservoir lithology, mineral assemblage, and nanopore structure—and thereby provide a geological basis for the exploration and development of Permian marine shales [...] Read more.
To clarify the organic matter enrichment regularity of Permian shales in the Kaijiang–Liangping Trough, as well as the differential characteristics of their reservoir lithology, mineral assemblage, and nanopore structure—and thereby provide a geological basis for the exploration and development of Permian marine shales in the eastern Sichuan Basin—core samples from different depths of the Wujiaping Formation and Dalong Formation in Well DY-1H were analyzed using a series of micro–nano technical research methods, including whole-rock X-ray diffraction, major/trace element analysis, conventional porosity-permeability measurement, high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry, nitrogen adsorption, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Research finds that the Dalong Formation shale contains Type I organic matter with high abundance, whereas the Wujiaping Formation shale is dominated by Type II2 organic matter. The Wujiaping Formation experienced stronger terrigenous input and higher weathering intensity, while the Dalong Formation was deposited under persistently anoxic conditions, in contrast to the frequent oxic–anoxic alternations in the Wujiaping Formation. Paleoproductivity indicators suggest higher productivity in the Dalong Formation than in the Wujiaping Formation. Mo/TOC ratios below 4.5 indicate deposition in a strongly restricted water body. Enrichment factors of multiple elements further support the enhanced paleoproductivity of the Dalong Formation. The Dalong Formation shale has higher contents of quartz and carbonate minerals, while the Wujiaping Formation shale has a higher content of clay minerals. The Wujiaping Formation shale is more developed with inorganic micropores, whereas the Dalong Formation shale is characterized by more developed organic nanopores. During the sedimentary period of the Dalong Formation shale, the paleoproductivity was high, the sedimentary waterbody had high reducibility and restriction, and the reservoir was well-developed with nanopores. The Dalong Formation is a more favorable interval for Permian shale gas exploration and development in the Kaijiang–Liangping Trough. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanopores and Nanostructures in Tight Reservoir Rocks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 21921 KB  
Article
Shear-Induced Graphitization in Tongyuanpu Shear Zone, Liaodong Peninsula of Eastern China: Insights from Graphite Occurrences, Nanostructures and Carbon Sources
by Mengyan Shi, Nannan Cheng, Jianbin Li, Quanlin Hou, Qianqian Guo and Jienan Pan
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(23), 1778; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15231778 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 604
Abstract
An in-depth study of the genetic mechanisms of graphite in shear zones is crucial for understanding crustal weakening and the origins of inorganic carbon. This research focuses on mylonitic marble (MM) and cataclastic marble (CM) from the Tongyuanpu shear zone of Eastern China. [...] Read more.
An in-depth study of the genetic mechanisms of graphite in shear zones is crucial for understanding crustal weakening and the origins of inorganic carbon. This research focuses on mylonitic marble (MM) and cataclastic marble (CM) from the Tongyuanpu shear zone of Eastern China. The occurrences, nanostructures, carbon sources, and genesis of graphite were systematically investigated through micro- to ultra-microscale analysis. The results reveal that the MM contains two graphite varieties: C-foliation-aligned bands and stylolite-derived serrated aggregates. Both exhibit strong Z-axis LPO, indicating a deformation temperature below 200 °C. In contrast, the CM features individual graphite particles within fragmented grains. Near-ideal graphite structures are characterized in both types; however, a higher TOC content and a greater graphitization degree are observed in the CM. Raman thermometry indicates metamorphic peak temperatures of 588–673 °C (MM) and 540–682 °C (CM), with the former showing a significant discrepancy from the EBSD results. The δ13CORG values (−12.21‰ to −8.06‰) suggest fluid-derived carbon sources. We propose that reduction reactions involving high-temperature metamorphic fluids supplied the essential carbon source. Ductile shearing accelerated the graphitization of these carbonaceous materials through the accumulation of local strain energy, while subsequent brittle deformation with frictional sliding further facilitated structural transformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanopores and Nanostructures in Tight Reservoir Rocks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-3
Back to TopTop