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Processes
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Structure Optimization and Transport Characteristics of Porous Media
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Structure Optimization and Transport Characteristics of Porous Media

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 2254

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zhenlong Song

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Earth and Space Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
Interests: artificial intelligence; carbon molecular sieves; methane gas separation; carbon dioxide capture
Prof. Dr. Tingting Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Electrical Information Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, China
Interests: artificial intelligence; signal processing; complex system control; intelligent fracturing technology
Dr. Kunpeng Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Beijing International Center for Gas Hydrate, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Interests: fiber optic sensing; hydraulic fracturing; flow rate measuring; wellbore stability; rock mechanics; porous seepage
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Porous media are central to environmental sustainability and energy utilization. They enable targeted pollutant capture and CO₂ sequestration through structural optimization, while driving efficient operations (e.g., hydrocarbon recovery, geothermal energy) via advanced transport engineering. Achieving these objectives requires an integrated framework uniting materials science, fluid dynamics, and AI. This Special Issue spotlights research on the co-optimization of pore-scale design and system-scale transport control across diverse applications, inviting innovations that leverage AI to decode complex phenomena and deliver scalable solutions.

This Special Issue seeks high-quality research on the integrated design and analysis of porous media, emphasizing structural optimization for environmental applications (e.g., pollutant capture, CO₂ sequestration) and transport engineering for energy (e.g., hydrocarbon recovery, geothermal energy). We highlight advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) that bridge material design, transport physics, and industrial scalability. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • AI-optimized porous materials (MOFs, biochar, hybrid composites) for the high-efficiency adsorption of pollutants, CO₂, or heavy metals;
  • Multiphase transport dynamics in hydrocarbon reservoirs, including pore-scale modeling of oil–gas–water interactions and permeability enhancement strategies;
  • Novel fabrication processes (3D printing, freeze-casting, templated synthesis) for hierarchical porous structures with tailored adsorption and flow properties;
  • Intelligent transport control using machine learning (e.g., reinforcement learning for adaptive reservoir management, physics-informed neural networks for adsorption kinetics prediction);
  • Industrial integration of porous media in carbon capture systems, hydraulic fracturing operations, and scalable environmental remediation technologies.

Dr. Zhenlong Song
Prof. Dr. Tingting Wang
Dr. Kunpeng Zhang
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

  • multiphase flow in reservoirs
  • AI-optimized porous adsorbents
  • hybrid physics–AI frameworks
  • sorption–separation integrated pore architectures
  • AI for reservoir management

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 5474 KiB  
Article
Dynamics Study of Liquid Water Transport in GDL with Different Wettability Distributions: Pore-Scale Simulation Based on Multi-Component and Multi-Phase LBM
by Nan Xie, Hongyu Chang, Jie Li and Chenchong Zhou
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2515; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082515 - 9 Aug 2025
Viewed by 337
Abstract
This study proposes a MPL (microporous layer)–GDL (gas diffusion layer) microstructure reconstruction method based on a novel random reconstruction algorithm. Then the Shan–Chen multi-component and multi-phase lattice Boltzmann method (SC-LBM) is used to systematically describe the influence of different contact angle distributions on [...] Read more.
This study proposes a MPL (microporous layer)–GDL (gas diffusion layer) microstructure reconstruction method based on a novel random reconstruction algorithm. Then the Shan–Chen multi-component and multi-phase lattice Boltzmann method (SC-LBM) is used to systematically describe the influence of different contact angle distributions on the drainage characteristics of the GDL of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Meanwhile, the breakthrough time of liquid water, steady-state time, and liquid water saturation are compared. The results show that with the increase in contact angle, the time for the first droplet breakthrough and the steady-state time are significantly shortened, and the saturation of liquid water gradually decreases at the steady state, indicating that increasing hydrophobicity can effectively improve the drainage capacity of the GDL. Several double-gradient and three-gradient contact angle distribution schemes are studied, and it is found that the gradient structure with increasing contact angles along the direction of water flow will lead to prolonged steady-state time and elevated water saturation, which is not conducive to drainage. This study analyzes the drainage process under different wettability gradients considering aspects such as the droplet morphology evolution, flow path, and water distribution mechanism, clarifying the key role of gradient design in GDL water management. This work also provides a theoretical basis and design guidelines for wettability optimization in the GDL of PEMFCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure Optimization and Transport Characteristics of Porous Media)
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21 pages, 8385 KiB  
Article
Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Behavior in Tight Conglomerates and Field Applications
by Zhenyu Wang, Wei Xiao, Shiming Wei, Zheng Fang and Xianping Cao
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2494; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082494 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 213
Abstract
The tight conglomerate oil reservoir in Xinjiang’s Mahu area is situated on the northwestern margin of the Junggar Basin. The reservoir comprises five stacked fan bodies, with the Triassic Baikouquan Formation serving as the primary pay zone. To delineate the study scope and [...] Read more.
The tight conglomerate oil reservoir in Xinjiang’s Mahu area is situated on the northwestern margin of the Junggar Basin. The reservoir comprises five stacked fan bodies, with the Triassic Baikouquan Formation serving as the primary pay zone. To delineate the study scope and conduct a field validation, the Ma-X well block was selected for investigation. Through triaxial compression tests and large-scale true triaxial hydraulic fracturing simulations, we analyzed the failure mechanisms of tight conglomerates and identified key factors governing hydraulic fracture propagation. The experimental results reveal several important points. (1) Gravel characteristics control failure modes: Larger gravel size and higher content increase inter-gravel stress concentration, promoting gravel crushing under confining pressure. At low-to-medium confining pressures, shear failure primarily occurs within the matrix, forming bypassing fractures around gravel particles. (2) Horizontal stress differential dominates fracture geometry: Fractures preferentially propagate as transverse fractures perpendicular to the wellbore, with stress anisotropy being the primary control factor. (3) Injection rate dictates fracture complexity: Weakly cemented interfaces in conglomerates lead to distinct fracture morphologies—low rates favor interface activation, while high rates enhance penetration through gravels. (4) Stimulation strategy impacts SRV: Multi-cluster perforations show limited effectiveness in enhancing fracture network complexity. In contrast, variable-rate fracturing significantly increases stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) compared to constant-rate methods, as evidenced by microseismic data demonstrating improved interface connectivity and broader fracture coverage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure Optimization and Transport Characteristics of Porous Media)
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13 pages, 463 KiB  
Article
Cryoconservation Modifies Ion Transport Pathways in the Skin Microenvironment: An In Vitro Study
by Iga Hołyńska-Iwan, Marcin Wróblewski, Lucyna Kałużna, Tomasz Dziaman, Jolanta Czuczejko, Olga Zavyalova, Dorota Olszewska-Słonina and Karolina Szewczyk-Golec
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1493; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051493 - 13 May 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
Due to the lack of skin donors, the short time frame for conducting the procedure, and the increasing demand for tissue specimens, the proper storage conditions for skin fragments have gained critical importance. Therefore, the search for methods for storing skin tissue long-term, [...] Read more.
Due to the lack of skin donors, the short time frame for conducting the procedure, and the increasing demand for tissue specimens, the proper storage conditions for skin fragments have gained critical importance. Therefore, the search for methods for storing skin tissue long-term, ensuring its physiological functions, is a matter of considerable interest. Freezing skin fragments in a cryoprotectant solution, such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), can be a valuable complement to tissues for transplantation and for supplying difficult-to-heal wounds. This study aimed to assess the effect of deep freezing rabbit skin fragments immersed in a 5% DMSO solution on their electrophysiological parameters. Control (n = 23) and defrosted skin specimens were incubated in Ringer (n = 21), amiloride (n = 26), and bumetanide (n = 24) solutions. Then, resistance (R), potential difference (PD), and minimal and maximal PD were measured. The specimens did not show differences in R values compared to controls, which means that the skin subjected to freezing was compact and durable. However, the tissue subjected to freezing in DMSO solution presented increased transport of sodium and chloride ions, which may translate into a change in pain perception, the development of hypersensitivity and/or allergy, and the initiation of repair and regeneration processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure Optimization and Transport Characteristics of Porous Media)
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16 pages, 8030 KiB  
Article
Damage Evolution in High-Temperature-Treated Granite: Combined DIC and AE Experimental Study
by Xianggui Zhou, Qian Liu, Weilan Hu, Qingguo Ren and Shuwen Zhang
Processes 2025, 13(4), 1082; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041082 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 468
Abstract
As mineral resource extraction progresses to greater depths, it has become imperative for geomechanical applications to understand the thermomechanical degradation mechanisms of rocks under thermal loading. To investigate the thermomechanical characteristics of granite subjected to thermal treatments ranging from ambient to 1000 °C, [...] Read more.
As mineral resource extraction progresses to greater depths, it has become imperative for geomechanical applications to understand the thermomechanical degradation mechanisms of rocks under thermal loading. To investigate the thermomechanical characteristics of granite subjected to thermal treatments ranging from ambient to 1000 °C, we conducted uniaxial compression tests integrating P-wave velocity measurements, digital image correlation (DIC), and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. The key findings reveal the following: (1) the specimen volume exhibits thermal expansion while the mass loss and P-wave velocity reduction demonstrate a temperature dependence; (2) the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and elastic modulus display progressive thermal degradation, while the peak strain shows an inverse relationship with temperature; (3) acoustic emission signals exhibit a strong correlation with failure–time curves, progressing through three distinct phases: quiescent, progressive accumulation, and accelerated failure, and fracture mechanisms transition progressively from tensile-dominated brittle failure to shear-induced ductile failure with increasing thermal loading; and (4) the damage evolution parameter exhibits exponential growth beyond 600 °C, reaching 98.85% at 1000 °C, where specimens demonstrate a complete loss of load-bearing capacity. These findings provide critical insights for designing deep geological engineering systems involving thermomechanical rock interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure Optimization and Transport Characteristics of Porous Media)
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27 pages, 50861 KiB  
Article
Digital Simulation of Hydraulic Fracturing in Laminated Shale Formation Containing Varying Bedding Planes
by Can Shi, Junjie Shentu, Botao Lin, Shiming Wei, Yan Jin and Jeoung Seok Yoon
Processes 2025, 13(4), 1017; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041017 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 528
Abstract
Large-scale hydraulic fracturing is a prevalent technique for exploiting low-porosity and low-permeability shale reservoirs. The propagation and morphology of the hydraulic fracture in the laminated shale formations are significantly influenced by densely developed bedding planes, which can be classified into three categories: continuous, [...] Read more.
Large-scale hydraulic fracturing is a prevalent technique for exploiting low-porosity and low-permeability shale reservoirs. The propagation and morphology of the hydraulic fracture in the laminated shale formations are significantly influenced by densely developed bedding planes, which can be classified into three categories: continuous, transitional, and discontinuous, with each characterized by distinct properties. This categorization complicates the prediction of the fracture propagation and the optimization of fracturing plans. In this research, a comparative study was proposed to describe fracture propagation and morphology in laminated shale with different types of bedding planes, employing the hydromechanically coupled discrete element method (DEM). The simulation results revealed that bedding planes of different types produce distinct impacts on the fracture propagation, leading to diverse fracture morphologies. In particular, it was found that the plane thickness affected the fracture propagation under low permeability, but the impact was insignificant under high permeability. Under different orientation angles, the continuous bedding planes showed distinct impacts on fracture propagation, while the transitional and discontinuous bedding planes consistently captured the hydraulic fracture. Moreover, the fluid viscosity and injection rate significantly influenced continuous and transitional bedding planes while having a minor effect on the discontinuous bedding planes. The optimal injection schemes incorporating varying injection rates or fluid viscosities were investigated. In addition, the impacts of small-scale bedding planes on fracture propagation were revealed. Furthermore, the bottom hole pressure variation and seismic event distribution were presented to provide complementary evidence of the fracture propagation. The simulation results can promote a comprehensive understanding of the fracture development in shale reservoirs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure Optimization and Transport Characteristics of Porous Media)
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