Article
Energy & Fuels
Syed Rizwanullah Hussaini, Jack Dvorkin
Summary: By computing total porosity and specific surface area for various natural sandstone, carbonate, and granular samples, tight correlations between these two variables were observed. Different trends were identified for low-to-medium porosity rocks compared to high-porosity granular samples, which were explained through theoretical derivations based on solid inclusions and grain packs. The accuracy of the digital data matching the theoretical curves indicates that the trends observed at a microscopic level are applicable at a much larger core and reservoir scale.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adrian Sanchez-Fernandez, Andrew J. Jackson, Sylvain F. Prevost, James J. Doutch, Karen J. Edler
Summary: This study demonstrates that in deep eutectic solvents, electrostatic correlations can prevail over long-range electrostatic interactions, and specific counterion condensation can modulate micelle morphology and electrostatic interactions. These findings are rationalized in terms of predominant ion-ion correlations and specific ion effects described by the Hofmeister series.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Christophe Didier, Elliot P. Gilbert, Jitendra Mata, Vanessa K. Peterson
Summary: This study quantitatively investigates the morphology of lithium metal deposition in batteries using in situ ultra-small and small-angle neutron scattering. The research reveals the complex variations of surface area and interfacial distances influenced by current density and cell cycling history, providing valuable insights into the growth of metallic lithium features detrimental to battery performance. The findings are crucial for the development of safer and high-performance lithium metal batteries.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Lawrence M. Anovitz, Michael C. Cheshire, Raphael P. Hermann, Xin Gu, Julia M. Sheets, Susan L. Brantley, David R. Cole, Eugene S. Ilton, David F. R. Mildner, Cedric Gagnon, Lawrence F. Allard, Kenneth C. Littrell
Summary: Weathering plays a crucial role in environmental processes, with the microstructure and evolution of multi-scale pore space being a critically important factor. Experimental results showed little observable biotite swelling under oxidative conditions, but significant fractures and growth of iron oxides along grain boundaries. The stress caused by growing iron phases may be the initiating factors in granite weathering, followed possibly by biotite swelling after sufficient permeability is achieved.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Xing-Fen Jiang, Jian-Rong Zhou, Hong Luo, Liang Xiao, Xiao-Juan Zhou, Hong Xu, Yuan-Guang Xia, Xiao-Guang Wu, Lin Zhu, Wen-Qing Yang, Gui-An Yang, Bei-Ju Guan, Hong-Yu Zhang, Yu-Bin Zhao, Zhi-Jia Sun, Yuan-Bo Chen
Summary: The small-angle neutron scattering instrument at the China Spallation Neutron Source is equipped with a large-area He-3 tube array detector, allowing for the investigation of microscopic and mesoscopic structures of materials. The detector demonstrates high detection efficiency and resolution, providing stable support for numerous scientific programs.
NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNIQUES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hongming Zhan, Feifei Fang, Xizhe Li, Zhiming Hu, Jie Zhang
Summary: This study used micro-computed tomography, ion beam scanning electron microscopy, and small-angle neutron scattering to investigate the pore distribution of shale in the Longmaxi Formation in the Luzhou block of southern Sichuan. The results showed that shale micropores are dominated by microfractures along the bedding direction and contribute 1.24% of porosity. Shale nanopores are more developed, contributing 3.57-4.72% porosity, with local heterogeneity at the microscale but lateral homogeneity and vertical heterogeneity at the macroscale.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alfrendo Satyanaga, Nail Bairakhmetov, Jong R. Kim, Sung-Woo Moon
Summary: Changes in climatic conditions lead to increased rainfall intensity and duration, causing various geotechnical issues. Improving problematic soil using unsaturated soil mechanic principles can alleviate these problems. This study investigates the unsaturated shear strength characteristics of soil with bimodal water retention curve (WRC) and proposes a new mathematical equation for estimating the unsaturated shear strength of such soils.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Hongming Zhan, Xizhe Li, Zhiming Hu, Xianggang Duan, Wei Wu, Wei Guo, Wei Lin
Summary: This study investigates the factors influencing the fractal dimension of shale and finds a negative correlation between the mass fractal dimension and the surface fractal dimension. The development degree of organic matter pores significantly affects the fractal dimension. The study provides a better understanding of the pore structure and development characteristics of shale gas reservoirs.
FRACTAL AND FRACTIONAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Margarita Kruteva, Michael Monkenbusch, Juergen Allgaier, Wim Pyckhout-Hintzen, Lionel Porcar, Dieter Richter
Summary: We conducted a systematic investigation on ring-linear blends using small angle neutron scattering, where we varied the ring volume fraction in a long linear matrix or the matrix length at a low ring fraction. We observed that the ring radius of gyration decreased with increasing ring fraction and approached the value of the ring melt at a volume fraction of φ(R) = 0.5. The fractal dimension, which was close to a Gaussian conformation at low φ(R), decreased to the value of the ring melt. The ring size was found to be independent of the host length, except for very short matrices.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ang Liu, Shimin Liu, Rui Zhang, Guijie Sang, Kaiwen Xia
Summary: Understanding the nanoscale structural changes of shale in an unsaturated gas-water-shale system provides insights into water retention-induced shale deterioration. Cyclical water vapor sorption tests were conducted on dried and water-saturated shale powders, and evidence from techniques such as XRD, FESEM-EDS, and nanoindentation point towards the highly heterogeneous nature of nano-porous shale. The results demonstrate enhanced sorption capacities and differences in hysteresis among cycles, as well as a decrease in effective diffusion coefficients in the treated samples compared to the raw samples.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Claire Hotton, Guylaine Ducouret, Juliette Sirieix-Plenet, Thomas Bizien, Lionel Porcar, Natalie Malikova
Summary: Tuning the properties of gel-forming systems is crucial for various applications. This study investigates the effect of ion-specific counterions on the structure and rheological properties of ionene-based hydrogels. The results show that gelation is more effective for weakly hydrated counterions, and divalent counterions enhance gelation by promoting chain association. The combined techniques of SAXS and SANS reveal the contribution of ion-ion correlations in the gel network.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Wagener, Stephan Foerster
Summary: The scattering of various types of radiation by matter is widely used for structural characterization. With the advancement of beam sources and detectors, scattering patterns can now be acquired quickly and at large sizes. However, the slow analysis of these patterns has become a bottleneck. In this study, an algorithm based on hypergeometric functions is introduced, providing a significant increase in computational speed compared to current methods. This algorithm enables real-time experiment feedback, analysis of large scattering datasets, and generation of training data for machine learning.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Badri Narayanan Narasimhan, Alexander W. Dixon, Bradley Mansel, Andrew Taberner, Jitendra Mata, Jenny Malmstrom
Summary: This study investigates hydrogels made with semi-interpenetrating networks of oligomerized polyphenol tannic acid and poly(acrylamide). The presence of micron-sized hydrogen bonded clusters in the hydrogels and the breaking of these clusters above a critical solution temperature are observed using small angle X-ray scattering and small and ultra-small angle neutron scattering. Polarized optical microscopy shows enhanced anisotropy for gels with oligomerized tannic acid, and rheological studies reveal self-healing behavior of the gels. The findings from this study contribute to the rational design of hydrogels for biomedical applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuai Bai, Xinchun Guan, Hui Li, Jinping Ou
Summary: The study found that nano-silica with a larger specific surface area (NS-470) is more effective in improving the pore structure and enhancing reactivity of cement paste, prolonging the acceleration period and increasing the late hydration degree.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuai Dou, Xiao-Xue Ke, Zai-Dong Shao, Lu-Bin Zhong, Quan-Bao Zhao, Yu-Ming Zheng
Summary: The fish scale-based porous activated biochar with defined pore size (DPBC) fabricated in this study exhibited a high specific surface area and pore diameter suitable for the adsorption of CIP. The adsorption process was found to be spontaneous and endothermic, with a high saturated dynamic adsorption capacity of 880.3 mg g(-1) in fixed-bed experiments. Various interactions including hydrophobic effect, pi-pi interaction, cation exchange, and hydrogen bonding were involved in the CIP adsorption on the DPBC.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shaoqing Wang, Hao Chen, Xiaoling Wang, Yuegang Tang, Shimin Liu, Harold H. Schobert, Xiaoxia Song, Fangui Zeng
Summary: The evolution of coals affected by igneous intrusions differs from normal coalification, and is related to geological conditions. By analyzing data, three evolution pathways were identified, with Track I being similar to normal coalification, Track II showing faster dehydrogenation and slower deoxygenation, and Track III displaying anomalously high oxygen content due to the presence of carbonate minerals.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Jiandong Ren, Yixin Zhao, Wen Wang, Jihong Guo, Zhongbo Sun, Shimin Liu
Summary: Currently, the width of the protection coal pillar with the buried pipeline at gas-coal integrated mining area is determined by the horizontal distance between the surface subsidence boundary and the panel (traditional method). However, this method leads to the loss of abundant coal resources. Therefore, an optimal design for the protective coal pillar of the pipeline is proposed by investigating the Gaussian function equation of the surface subsidence curve and analysing the failure probability of the pipeline.
ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Peng Dong, Rong Chen, Kaiwen Xia, Wei Yao, Zhigang Peng, Derek Elsworth
Summary: This study investigates dynamically triggered earthquakes on laboratory faults and reveals that the triggering process has two distinct phases, with a slow phase only present for a specific seismic condition and absent for supershear events.
SEISMOLOGICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Nathan Gendrue, Shimin Liu, Sekhar Bhattacharyya, Ronald Clister
Summary: In this study, the airflow distribution of a large opening mine with a booster fan was investigated using a CFD model. The results showed that the booster fan is an effective ventilation control for airflow direction and placement significantly influences the pollutants' removal. Additionally, the traditional traverse method may be inadequate for measuring airflow around booster fans, with errors ranging from 35% to 210%. The study provides a foundation for future research on booster fan placement optimization and face ventilation effectiveness.
TUNNELLING AND UNDERGROUND SPACE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jingshou Liu, Wenlong Ding, Shimin Liu, Kouqi Liu, Dadong Liu
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ang Liu, Shimin Liu
Summary: This study measured and analyzed the sorption and diffusion behaviors of eight coals from major coalfields in the United States. The results showed that all eight coals have considerable hydrogen sorption capacities. The fixed carbon content and O/C ratio are correlated with the maximum hydrogen adsorption capacity in coals. Hydrogen has superior diffusive gas deliverability in coal, making it a promising candidate for hydrogen storage.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ang Liu, Shimin Liu
Summary: In this study, the gas-water production period in a shale gas reservoir is divided into two stages: gas-water two-phase flow dominates at Stage I, while flows are controlled by desorbed gas and water in the adsorbed phase at Stage II. The evolution models of porosity and permeability consider the swelling strains induced by gas and water sorption. A coupled model of multi-mechanistic gas-water transport behavior in tight shale was proposed and numerically solved. The results provide insights into gas/water transport behavior and water retention behavior in tight shale.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ang Liu, Shimin Liu, Rui Zhang, Guijie Sang, Kaiwen Xia
Summary: Understanding the nanoscale structural changes of shale in an unsaturated gas-water-shale system provides insights into water retention-induced shale deterioration. Cyclical water vapor sorption tests were conducted on dried and water-saturated shale powders, and evidence from techniques such as XRD, FESEM-EDS, and nanoindentation point towards the highly heterogeneous nature of nano-porous shale. The results demonstrate enhanced sorption capacities and differences in hysteresis among cycles, as well as a decrease in effective diffusion coefficients in the treated samples compared to the raw samples.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Ang Liu, Shimin Liu, Kaiwen Xia, Peng Liu, Yun Yang, Gang Wang
Summary: Matrix shrinkage/swelling induced by gas sorption plays a crucial role in coalbed methane reservoir stress depletion and gas transport enhancement. This study used a sorption and matrix shrinkage system to measure the gas sorption capacity and 3-D anisotropic swelling/shrinkage strains simultaneously. The high heterogeneity and anisotropy of coals were confirmed using imaging techniques, and the principal strains were computed through a proposed strain transformation model.
ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaoliang Wang, Lilin He, Jacob Sumner, Shuo Qian, Qiu Zhang, Hugh O'Neill, Yimin Mao, Chengxia Chen, Abdullah M. Al-Enizi, Ayman Nafady, Shengqian Ma
Summary: Immobilization of biomolecules into porous materials can improve their stability and ease of reuse. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are promising for immobilizing large biomolecules, but their spatial arrangement within the pores is still not fully understood. In this study, researchers used in situ small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to investigate the spatial arrangement of green fluorescent protein in a mesoporous MOF, revealing that protein molecules form assemblies through adsorbate-adsorbate interactions across pore apertures. This finding provides a crucial foundation for understanding protein structural basics in the confinement environment of MOFs.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jinming Zhang, Xiaowei Hou, Shimin Liu, Luwang Chen, Yingjin Wang
Summary: In this study, a new data-driven method, an improved BP neural network model optimized by grey relational analysis (GRA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, was proposed for predicting the accurate evolution of in situ coalbed methane (CBM) content. The results showed that the GRA method helped determine the input parameters for the BP neural network model, improving the operation speed and reducing the influence of redundant parameters. Additionally, the PSO algorithm with asynchronous learning factors successfully optimized the weights and thresholds of the BP neural network, leading to increased modeling accuracy. The proposed model yielded reliable results, outperforming traditional prediction models in terms of prediction accuracy (only 3.71% relative error). It is believed that this model is useful for high accuracy prediction of in situ CBM content in heterogeneous reservoirs under complicated geological structure conditions due to its robustness and generalization.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chuanwen Sun, Shimin Liu, Shouding Li, Kai Wang, Yiming Sun, Xiao Li, Zhaobin Zhang
Summary: Nano-SiO2 particles can accelerate the formation of tetrahydrofuran hydrate and shorten the induction time, with an optimal mass concentration of 0.5 mg/mL.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Guijie Sang, Rebecca J. Lunn, Grainne El Mountassir, James M. Minto
Summary: Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a promising method for ground improvement, but most studies have focused on uniform sands and there is limited research on well-graded soils. This study conducted a laboratory test on medium-graded very gravelly sands and found that MICP treatment can increase the strength and stiffness of the soil.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Guijie Sang, Rebecca J. Lunn, Grainne El Mountassir, James M. Minto
Summary: In this study, the transport and retention behaviors of Sporosarcina pasteurii in saturated sand were investigated under different conditions. A two-site kinetic model was used to quantify and predict the bacterial attachment and straining. The results showed that increasing ionic strength significantly enhanced the retention efficiency, while increasing flow velocity decreased attachment and straining. These findings provide valuable information for understanding the transport and fate of S. pasteurii in saturated soil and optimizing bioaugmentation and cementation strategies for soil improvement.
TRANSPORT IN POROUS MEDIA
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Elham Rahimi, Shimin Liu, Meng Wang
Summary: Co-bioconversion of coal and anaerobic digestion sludge is an innovative approach to managing waste materials and producing valuable products such as biogas and biofertilizers. This study investigates the effects of different media combinations on the bioconversion process and finds that the use of formation water and nutrients leads to maximum biogas production in a short period, while mixing coal-sludge with deionized water results in maximum cumulative biogas production over a longer duration.