New Advances in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Geochemistry

Dear Colleagues,

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is essential to mitigating climate change by isolating and storing CO₂ from industrial emissions. Geochemical studies focus on the long-term integrity of storage sites, examining reactions between injected CO₂ (pure or impure with SO₂, NO, O₂) and host rocks. Key research areas include the following: (1) mineral transformations in reservoir and caprocks (e.g., sandstones, mudstones) and their impact on seal effectiveness; (2) metal mobilization and fines migration induced by CO₂–fluid–rock interactions and their impact on groundwater chemistry ; (3) pore characterization and modelling to allow determination of trapping mechanisms and capacity; and (4) multi-tracer approaches to monitor groundwater flow and geochemical baselines. Field studies (e.g., Surat Basin) and core analyses (e.g., rock geochemistry, QEMSCAN mineralogy, PTX rock reactivity experiments) provide the inputs for reaction path modelling and reactive transport modelling, guiding site selection, and risk assessment. Impurities in CO₂ streams exacerbate geochemical reactivity, necessitating integrated models to optimize secure, permanent sequestration. This Topic seeks original research contributions that advance CCS/CCUS geochemistry through scientific and engineering innovation.

Prof. Dr. Suzanne Golding
Dr. Julie Pearce
Dr. Linda Stalker
Topic Editors