Clay Minerals in Energy and Environmental Systems: Interfacial Reactions and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Clay minerals are among the most ubiquitous and reactive constituents of the Earth’s critical zone. Characterized by their unique structures, high specific surface areas, and significant cation exchangeable capacities, these minerals exhibit strong interactions with a wide range of fluids found in energy and environment systems. These complex interfacial reactions are fundamental to numerous geological and engineering processes, including unconventional oil and gas recovery, geological carbon sequestration, nuclear waste disposal, and the remediation of contaminated soils and groundwater contamination.

This Special Issue aims to highlight cutting-edge research on clay mineral interactions across molecular, nano-, and macroscopic scales. We welcome contributions derived from field investigations, laboratory experiments, theoretical modeling, and advanced characterization techniques. Our overarching goal is to advance the fundamental understanding of clay mineral interfacial processes and facilitate their practical applications in addressing critical energy and environmental challenges.

We encourage the submission of original research articles and comprehensive reviews on topics including, but not limited to, following:

1. Mechanisms and applications of clay minerals in unconventional hydrocarbon recovery, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and nuclear waste management.
2. The role of clay minerals in environmental catalysis, pollutant remediation, and waste treatment technologies.
3. Advanced characterization, multi-scale modeling, and simulation approaches for elucidating interfacial reactions at clay mineral surfaces.

Dr. Yun Li
Dr. Guanzheng Zhuang
Prof. Dr. Wenbin Yu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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