1
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Aybar M, Zhang H, Qiao R, Huang J, Sumpter BG, Yan B, Sun S. Molecular Structure and Thermodynamics of CO 2 and Water Adsorption on Mica. J Phys Chem B 2025; 129:4558-4568. [PMID: 40273007 PMCID: PMC12067434 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.5c01076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2025] [Revised: 04/11/2025] [Accepted: 04/18/2025] [Indexed: 04/26/2025]
Abstract
The adsorption of CO2 and water on clay surfaces plays a key role in applications, such as gas storage in saline aquifers and depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, but is not yet fully understood. Here, we study the adsorption of CO2 and water vapor using Grand Canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations. At a bulk pressure of 100 bar, pure CO2 adsorbs strongly on mica and forms extensive layers next to it. CO2 adsorption is lowered substantially if introducing water vapor above mica and is largely eliminated when the relative humidity (RH) approaches about 60%. When pure water vapor is introduced above a mica surface, a subnanometer thick liquid water film develops on it to form apparent liquid-solid and liquid-vapor interfaces simultaneously. Using the identification of truly interfacial molecules (ITIM) analysis, we delineate how individual water layers develop in this film as RH increases. We highlight that the water film is spatially heterogeneous and the true liquid-vapor interface emerges only at an RH of 60-80%. Introducing 100 bar of CO2 into the water vapor above the mica surface modulates water adsorption nonlinearly: at RH = 0.01%, the water adsorption is reduced by ∼30%; as RH increases, the reduction is weakened, and eventually, enhancement of water adsorption by about 7% occurs at RH = 90%. These variations are attributed to the interplay of film thinning by high-pressure CO2, competition of mica surface sites by CO2 molecules, and energetic and entropic stabilization of interfacial water by CO2 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert Aybar
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Rui Qiao
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Jingsong Huang
- Center
for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Bobby G. Sumpter
- Center
for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Bicheng Yan
- Physical
Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah
University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shuyu Sun
- Physical
Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah
University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
- School
of Mathematical Sciences, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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2
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Dowhyj M, Kousar K, Lydiatt FP, Chekulaev D, Walczak MS, Temperton R, N.O’Shea J, Walters WS, Thomas AG, Lindsay R. Complexity at a Humid Interface: Throwing Fresh Light on Atmospheric Corrosion. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2025; 17:27323-27330. [PMID: 40264338 PMCID: PMC12067374 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c21013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2025] [Accepted: 04/15/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025]
Abstract
Atmospheric corrosion of metals arising from exposure to water vapor is a pervasive problem across a wide range of practical scenarios, including nuclear material storage and historical artifact conservation. Frequently, it is hypothesized that this phenomenon becomes an issue once the number of monolayers of water growing atop a substrate is sufficient to facilitate corrosion chemistry, but supporting evidence remains scarce. We apply both near ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy to further elucidate the interaction of water vapor with zinc, a common engineering substrate for corrosion protection applications. Data acquired as a function of relative humidity indicate that water sorption is much more complex than expected, involving micropore filling and capillary condensation in the adventitious carbon layer covering the zinc surface. These results suggest that current mechanistic models for atmospheric corrosion, as well as other interfacial phenomena occurring in humid environments, require extensive revision and should embrace explicit consideration of the role of surface carbon contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Dowhyj
- Corrosion@Manchester,
Department of Materials, The University
of Manchester, Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- Photon
Science Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Kiran Kousar
- Corrosion@Manchester,
Department of Materials, The University
of Manchester, Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Francis P. Lydiatt
- Corrosion@Manchester,
Department of Materials, The University
of Manchester, Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- Photon
Science Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Dimitri Chekulaev
- Corrosion@Manchester,
Department of Materials, The University
of Manchester, Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- Photon
Science Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Monika S. Walczak
- Corrosion@Manchester,
Department of Materials, The University
of Manchester, Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Robert Temperton
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - James N.O’Shea
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - W. Stephen Walters
- UK
National Nuclear Laboratory, Culham Science
Centre Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 3DB, U.K.
| | - Andrew G. Thomas
- Photon
Science Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- Department
of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Robert Lindsay
- Corrosion@Manchester,
Department of Materials, The University
of Manchester, Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- Photon
Science Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
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3
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Yan XH, He W, Liao S, Liang X, Yang Y, Li L, Zhou KG, Jiang Z. Enhancing CO 2 Oversaturation in the Confined Water Enables Superior Gas Selectivity of 2D Membranes. J Phys Chem Lett 2025; 16:766-773. [PMID: 39804330 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c03228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2025]
Abstract
Due to the global demands on carbon neutralization, CO2 separation membranes, particularly those based on two-dimensional (2D) materials, have attracted increasing attention. However, recent works have focused on the chemical decoration of membranes to realize the selective transport, leading to the compromised stability in the presence of moisture. Herein, we develop a series of 2D capillaries based on layered double hydroxide (LDH), graphene oxide, and vermiculite to enhance the oversaturation of CO2 in the confined water for promoting the membrane permselectivity. By employing the dielectric spectroscopy as a probe to unveil oversaturation, the dissolved CO2 can be enhanced by up to ten times facilitated by water confined in the 2D capillary, particularly constructed by the LDH, endowing the uprise of CO2/N2 separation factor by 43 times. Therefore, our work opens an avenue to the future design of selective membranes by modulating the confined water beyond chemical modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Hai Yan
- Institute of Molecular Plus, Department of Chemistry, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Weijun He
- Institute of Molecular Plus, Department of Chemistry, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Shouwei Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Green Chemical Product Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xu Liang
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yongan Yang
- Institute of Molecular Plus, Department of Chemistry, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Libo Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Green Chemical Product Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Kai-Ge Zhou
- Institute of Molecular Plus, Department of Chemistry, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Zhongyi Jiang
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou 350207, China
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4
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Gao Y, Tao Y, Li G, Shen P, Pellenq RJM, Poon CS. Moisture-driven carbonation kinetics for ultrafast CO 2 mineralization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2025; 122:e2418239121. [PMID: 39793077 PMCID: PMC11725878 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2418239121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 11/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025] Open
Abstract
CO2 mineralization, a process where CO2 reacts with minerals to form stable carbonates, presents a sustainable approach for CO2 sequestration and mitigation of global warming. While the crucial role of water in regulating CO2 mineralization efficiency is widely acknowledged, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains elusive. This study employs a combined experimental and atomistic simulation approach to elucidate the intricate mechanisms governing moisture-driven carbonation kinetics of calcium-bearing minerals. A self-designed carbonation reactor equipped with an ultrasonic atomizer is used to meticulously control the water content during carbonation experiments. Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations reveal that maximum CO2 uptake occurs at a critical water content where the initiation of capillary condensation significantly enhanced liquid-gas interactions. This phenomenon leads to CO2 adsorption-driven ultrafast carbonation at an optimal moisture content (0.1 to 0.2 g/g, water mass ratio to total wet mass of the mineral). A higher moisture content decimates the carbonation rate by crippling CO2 intake within mineral pores. However, at exceptionally high moisture levels, the carbonation reaction sites shift from internal mesopores to the grain surface. This results in surface dissolution-driven ultrafast carbonation, attributed to the monotonically decreasing free energy of dissolution with increasing surface water thickness, as revealed by metadynamics simulations. This study provides a fundamental and unified understanding of the multifaceted role of water in mineral carbonation, paving the way for optimizing ultrafast CO2 mineralization strategies for global decarbonization efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Gao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
- Research Centre Resources Engineering Towards Carbon Neutrality, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
| | - Yong Tao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
- Research Centre Resources Engineering Towards Carbon Neutrality, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
| | - Gen Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
- Research Centre Resources Engineering Towards Carbon Neutrality, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
| | - Peiliang Shen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
- Research Centre Resources Engineering Towards Carbon Neutrality, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
| | - Roland J.-M. Pellenq
- Institut Européen des Membranes, CNRS and Université of Montpellier, Montpellier34070, France
| | - Chi Sun Poon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
- Research Centre Resources Engineering Towards Carbon Neutrality, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
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5
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Yuan K, Rampal N, Adapa S, Evans BR, Bracco JN, Boebinger MG, Stack AG, Weber J. Iron Impurity Impairs the CO 2 Capture Performance of MgO: Insights from Microscopy and Machine Learning Molecular Dynamics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:64233-64243. [PMID: 39526988 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c13597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Magnesium oxide (MgO) is a promising sorbent for direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide. Iron (Fe) is a common impurity in naturally occurring MgO and minerals used to produce MgO, yet a molecular-scale understanding of Fe-doping effects on carbonation is lacking. Here, we observed reduced carbonation performance in Fe-doped MgO experimentally. The energetics of adsorbing a (bi)carbonate ion on pristine and Fe-doped MgO(001) surfaces were further investigated using ab initio and machine learning potential molecular dynamics coupled with metadynamics simulations. Both pristine and Fe-doped surfaces exhibited a basic (OH-) hydration layer, where the (bi)carbonate ion adsorption is thermodynamically favorable. However, the dissolution of surface Fe had smaller energy barriers and was more favorable than Mg. Leached Fe likely neutralized the near-surface basicity, yielding reduced reactivity on Fe-doped MgO. Our observations offer critical insights for material selection and emphasize the importance of evaluating the geologic origin of earth materials used for DAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yuan
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
| | - Nikhil Rampal
- Quantum Simulation Group, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Sai Adapa
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
| | - Barbara R Evans
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
| | - Jacquelyn N Bracco
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Queens College, New York, New York 11367, United States
| | - Matthew G Boebinger
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
| | - Andrew G Stack
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
| | - Juliane Weber
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
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6
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Li E, Zheng J, Lin J, Wang T, Luo K, Fan J. Molecular Insights into the CO 2 Mineralization Process with Tricalcium Silicate. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:46237-46246. [PMID: 39583699 PMCID: PMC11579716 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c07044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 10/20/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/26/2024]
Abstract
CO2 mineralization, a pivotal technology in CO2 capture, storage, and utilization, promises to convert industrial waste into valuable industrial products. However, the intricate reaction mechanism and rate-limiting process remain inadequately elucidated. The suitable reaction conditions should be clarified when designing industrial produce. In this study, we comprehensively examined the reaction kinetics and conversion rates of C3S under varying conditions and degrees of dispersion by reactive molecular dynamics simulation. Furthermore, we set up a sophisticated model depicting C3S encased within a water film, mirroring its prevalent configuration in moist environments. The results show that the reaction is fast when the temperature is 328 K. The conversion rate tends to decrease under elevated pressure when it is higher than 1.0 MPa, while the temperature has a minimal impact. Fragmentation of solid waste can increase the degree of dispersion, disrupting the crystal structure and expanding the reaction surface area, thereby accelerating the reaction. The presence of a water film impedes mass transfer, consequently reducing the reaction speed. The present study sheds light on the reaction mechanism of the CO2 mineralization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erchao Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jianan Zheng
- Shanghai
Institute for Advanced Study of Zhejiang University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Junjie Lin
- State
Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Tao Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Kun Luo
- State
Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Shanghai
Institute for Advanced Study of Zhejiang University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jianren Fan
- State
Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Shanghai
Institute for Advanced Study of Zhejiang University, Shanghai 200120, China
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7
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Pang J, Liang Y, Mi F, Jiang G, Tsuji T, Ning F. Nanoscale Understanding on CO 2 Diffusion and Adsorption in Clay Matrix Nanopores: Implications for Carbon Geosequestration. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:20401-20411. [PMID: 39381980 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c08158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) in subsurface reservoirs represents a highly promising and viable strategy for mitigating global carbon emissions. In the context of CCS implementation, it is particularly crucial to understand the complex molecular diffusive and adsorptive behaviors of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) in the subsurface at the nanoscale. Yet, conventional molecular models typically represent only single-slit pores and overlook the complexity of interconnected nanopores. In this work, finite kaolinite lamellar assemblages with abundant nanopores (r < 2 nm) were used. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to quantify the spatial distribution correlations, adsorption preference, diffusivity, and residence time of the CO2 molecules in kaolinite nanopores. The movement of the CO2 molecules primarily occurs in the central and proximity regions of the siloxane surfaces, progressing from larger to smaller nanopores. CO2 prefers smaller nanopores over larger ones. The diffusion coefficients increase, while residence times decrease, with the pore size increasing, differing from typical slit-pore models due to the pore shape and interconnectivity. The perspectives in this study, which would be challenging in conventional slit-pore models, will facilitate our comprehension of the CO2 molecular behaviors in the complex subsurface clay sediments for developing quantitative estimation techniques throughout the CCS project durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangtao Pang
- Faculty of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
- National Center for International Research on Deep Earth Drilling and Resource Development, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Yunfeng Liang
- Department of Systems Innovation, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Fengyi Mi
- Faculty of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Guosheng Jiang
- Faculty of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
- National Center for International Research on Deep Earth Drilling and Resource Development, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Takeshi Tsuji
- Department of Systems Innovation, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Fulong Ning
- Faculty of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
- National Center for International Research on Deep Earth Drilling and Resource Development, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
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8
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Zhu X, Dupuis R, Pellenq RJM, Ioannidou K. Collective molecular-scale carbonation path in aqueous solutions with sufficient structural sampling: From CO2 to CaCO3. J Chem Phys 2024; 161:184502. [PMID: 39526736 DOI: 10.1063/5.0228805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The carbonation reaction is essential in the global carbon cycle and in the carbon dioxide (CO2) capture. In oceans (pH 8.1) or in synthetic materials such as cement or geopolymers (pH over 12), the basic pH conditions affect the reaction rate of carbonation. However, the precipitation of calcium or magnesium carbonates acidifies the environment and, therefore, limits further CO2 capture. Here, we investigate how pH influences carbonation pathways in neutral and basic solutions at the atomic scale using reactive molecular simulations coupled with enhanced sampling methods from CO2 to calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Two distinct CO2 conversion pathways are identified: (1) CO2 hydration: CO2+H2O⇌H2CO3⇌HCO3-+H+⇌CO32-+2H+ and (2) CO2 hydroxylation: CO2+OH-⇌HCO3-⇌CO32-+H+. The CO2 hydration pathway occurs in both neutral and basic aqueous solutions, but reactions differ significantly between the two pH conditions. The formation of the CO32- is characterized by a markedly high free energy barrier in the neutral solution. The CO2 hydroxylation pathway is only found in basic solutions. Notably, the CO2 molecule exhibits a pronounced energetic preference for reacting with hydroxide ions (OH-) rather than with water molecules, resulting in significantly reduced free energy barriers along the CO2 hydroxylation pathway. The reaction rate estimation suggests that the CO2 hydroxylation path is the most favorable carbonation pathway in the basic solution. Once the CO32- anion is formed in the presence of alkali-earth (e.g., Ca2+ and Mg2+) cations, carbonate formation can proceed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinping Zhu
- Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil (LMGC), CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Romain Dupuis
- Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil (LMGC), CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Roland J-M Pellenq
- Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM), CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Katerina Ioannidou
- Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil (LMGC), CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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9
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Raman AS, Selloni A. Insights into the structure and dynamics of K+ ions at the muscovite-water interface from machine learning potential simulations. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:244708. [PMID: 38940541 DOI: 10.1063/5.0217720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The surfaces of many minerals are covered by naturally occurring cations that become partially hydrated and can be replaced by hydronium or other cations when the surface is exposed to water or an aqueous solution. These ion exchange processes are relevant to various chemical and transport phenomena, yet elucidating their microscopic details is challenging for both experiments and simulations. In this work, we make a first step in this direction by investigating the behavior of the native K+ ions at the interface between neat water and the muscovite mica (001) surface with ab-initio-based machine learning molecular dynamics and enhanced sampling simulations. Our results show that the desorption of the surface K+ ions in pure ion-free water has a significant free energy barrier irrespective of their local surface arrangement. In contrast, facile K+ diffusion between mica's ditrigonal cavities characterized by different Al/Si orderings is observed. This behavior suggests that the K+ ions may favor a dynamic disordered surface arrangement rather than complete desorption when exposed to deionized water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav S Raman
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Annabella Selloni
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
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10
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de Alwis C, Wahr K, Perrine KA. Influence of Cations on Direct CO 2 Capture and Mineral Film Formation: The Role of KCl and MgCl 2 at the Air/Electrolyte/Iron Interface. J Phys Chem A 2024; 128:4052-4067. [PMID: 38718205 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.4c01096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Uncovering the mechanisms associated with CO2 capture through mineralization is vital for addressing rising CO2 levels. Iron in planetary soils, the mineral cycle, and atmospheric dust react with CO2 through complex surface chemistry. Here, the effect of cations on the growth of carbonate films on iron surfaces was investigated. In situ polarized modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy was used to measure CO2 adsorption and oxidation of iron in MgCl2(aq) and KCl(aq), compared to FeCl2(aq) at the air/electrolyte/iron interface. The cation was found to influence the film composition and growth rates, as corroborated by infrared and photoelectron spectroscopy. In MgCl2(aq), a mixture of hydromagnesite, magnesite, and a Mg hydroxy carbonate film was grown on iron, while in KCl(aq), a potassium-rich bicarbonate film was grown. The cations were found to affect the rates of hydroxylation and carbonation, confirming a specific cation effect on carbonate film growth. In the submerged region, a heterogeneous mixture of lepidocrocite and iron hydroxy carbonate was produced, suggesting that Fe2+ dominates the surface products. Surface roughness measurements from in situ atomic force microscopy indicate iron initially corrodes faster in MgCl2(aq) than KCl(aq), due to the Cl- ions that initiate pitting and corrosion. In this region, cations were not found to affect the morphologies. This study shows surface corrosion is necessary to provide nucleation sites for film growth and that the cations influence the carbonate film, relevant for CO2 capture and planetary processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chathura de Alwis
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States
| | - Kayleigh Wahr
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States
| | - Kathryn A Perrine
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States
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11
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Hur J, Abousleiman YN, Hull KL, Qomi MJA. A ReaxFF Potential for Modeling Organic Matter Degradation with Oxybromine Oxidants. Chemphyschem 2024; 25:e202300860. [PMID: 38263476 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Oxidation of organic matter with oxybromine oxidants is ushering in a new era of enhanced hydrocarbon recovery. While these potent reagents are being tested in laboratory and field experiments, there is a pressing demand to delineate the molecular processes governing oxidation reactions at geological depth. Here, we parameterize a ReaxFF potential to model the oxidative decompositions of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in the presence of water-NaBr solutions that contain oxybromine (BrOn)- oxidizers. Our parameterization results in a reliable empirical bond-order potential that accurately calculates bond energies, exhibiting an RMSE of ∼1.18 eV, corresponding to 1.36 % average error. Reproducing bond dissociation and binding energies from Density Functional Theory (DFT), our parameterization proves transferable to aqueous environments. This H/C/O/Na/Br ReaxFF potential accurately reproduces the oxidation pathways of small hydrocarbons with oxybromine oxidizers. This force field captures proton and oxygen transfer, C-C bond tautomerization, and cleavage, leading to ring-opening and chain fragmentation. Molecular dynamic simulations demonstrate the oxidative degradation of aromatic and aliphatic kerogen-like moieties in bulk solutions. We envision that such reactive force fields will be useful to understand better the oxidation reactions of organic matter formed in geological reservoirs for enhanced shale gas recovery and improved carbon dioxide treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoong Hur
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California Irvine, E4130 Engineering Gateway, Irvine, CA 92697-2175, United States
| | - Younane N Abousleiman
- Integrated PoroMechanics Institute, The University of Oklahoma, 100 East Boyd Street, RM 710, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Katherine L Hull
- Aramco Research Center-Houston Aramco Americas, 16300 Park Row, Houston, Texas, 77084, United States
| | - Mohammad Javad Abdolhosseini Qomi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California Irvine, E4130 Engineering Gateway, Irvine, CA 92697-2175, United States
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Bartels MF, Miller QRS, Cao R, Lahiri N, Holliman JE, Stanfield CH, Schaef HT. Parts-Per-Million Carbonate Mineral Quantification with Thermogravimetric Analysis-Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2024; 96:4385-4393. [PMID: 38407067 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Mitigating the deleterious effects of climate change requires the development and implementation of carbon capture and storage technologies. To expand the monitoring, verification, and reporting (MRV) capabilities of geologic carbon mineralization projects, we developed a thermogravimetric analysis-mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) methodology to enable quantification of <100 ppm calcite (CaCO3) in complex samples. We extended TGA-MS calcite calibration curves to enable a higher measurement resolution and lower limits of quantification for evolved CO2 from a calcite-corundum mixture. We demonstrated <100 ppm carbonate mineral quantification with TGA-MS for the first time, an outcome applicable across earth, environmental, and materials science fields. We applied this carbonate quantification method to a suite of Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG) well cuttings recovered in 2009 from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Wallula #1 Well. Our execution of this new combined calcite and calcite-corundum calibration curve TGA-MS method on our CRBG sample suite indicated average carbonate contents of 0.050 wt % in flow interiors (caprocks) and 0.400 wt % in interflow zones (reservoirs) in the upper 1250 m of the Wallula #1 Well. By advancing our knowledge of continental flood basalt-hosted carbonates in the mafic subsurface and reaching new TGA-MS quantification limits for carbonate minerals, we expand MRV capabilities and support the commercial-scale deployment of carbon mineralization projects in the Pacific Northwest United States and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline F Bartels
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
- Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Quin R S Miller
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
| | - Ruoshi Cao
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
| | - Nabajit Lahiri
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
| | - Jade E Holliman
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - C Heath Stanfield
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
- Department of Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637 United States
| | - H Todd Schaef
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
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Bracco JN, Camacho Meneses G, Colón O, Yuan K, Stubbs JE, Eng PJ, Wanhala AK, Einkauf JD, Boebinger MG, Stack AG, Weber J. Reaction Layer Formation on MgO in the Presence of Humidity. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:712-722. [PMID: 38157368 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Mineralization by MgO is an attractive potential strategy for direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 due to its tendency to form carbonate phases upon exposure to water and CO2. Hydration of MgO during this process is typically assumed to not be rate limiting, even at ambient temperatures. However, surface passivation by hydrated phases likely reduces the CO2 capture capacity. Here, we examine the initial hydration reactions that occur on MgO(100) surfaces to determine whether they could potentially impact CO2 uptake. We first used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to explore changes in reaction layers in water (pH = 6 and 12) and MgO-saturated solution (pH = 11) and found the reaction layers on MgO are heterogeneous and nonuniform. To determine how relative humidity (R.H.) affects reactivity, we reacted samples at room temperature in nominally dry N2 (∼11-12% R.H.) for up to 12 h, in humid (>95% R.H.) N2 for 5, 10, and 15 min, and in air at 33 and 75% R.H. for 8 days. X-ray reflectivity and electron microscopy analysis of the samples reveal that hydrated phases form rapidly upon exposure to humid air, but the growth of the hydrated reaction layer slows after its initial formation. Reaction layer thickness is strongly correlated with R.H., with denser reaction layers forming in 75% R.H. compared with 33% R.H. or nominally dry N2. The reaction layers are likely amorphous or poorly crystalline based on grazing incidence X-ray diffraction measurements. After exposure to 75% R.H. in air for 8 days, the reaction layer increases in density as compared to the sample reacted in humid N2 for 5-15 min. This may represent an initial step toward the crystallization of the reaction layer. Overall, high R.H. favors the formation of a hydrated, disordered layer on MgO. Based on our results, DAC in a location with a higher R.H. will be favorable, but growth may slow significantly from initial rates even on short timescales, presumably due to surface passivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn N Bracco
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, New York 11367-0904, United States
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10016-4309, United States
| | - Gabriela Camacho Meneses
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, New York 11367-0904, United States
| | - Omar Colón
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, New York 11367-0904, United States
| | - Ke Yuan
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Joanne E Stubbs
- Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Peter J Eng
- Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Anna K Wanhala
- Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Einkauf
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Matthew G Boebinger
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Andrew G Stack
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Juliane Weber
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
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Raman AS, Selloni A. Acid-Base Chemistry of a Model IrO 2 Catalytic Interface. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:7787-7794. [PMID: 37616464 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Iridium oxide (IrO2) is one of the most efficient catalytic materials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), yet the atomic scale structure of its aqueous interface is largely unknown. Herein, the hydration structure, proton transfer mechanisms, and acid-base properties of the rutile IrO2(110)-water interface are investigated using ab initio based deep neural-network potentials and enhanced sampling simulations. The proton affinities of the different surface sites are characterized by calculating their acid dissociation constants, which yield a point of zero charge in agreement with experiments. A large fraction (≈80%) of adsorbed water dissociation is observed, together with a short lifetime (≈0.5 ns) of the resulting terminal hydroxy groups, due to rapid proton exchanges between adsorbed H2O and adjacent OH species. This rapid surface proton transfer supports the suggestion that the rate-determining step in the OER may not involve proton transfer across the double layer into solution, as indicated by recent experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav S Raman
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Annabella Selloni
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
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