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Role of kerogen in the origin and evolution of nickel and vanadyl geoporphyrins

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:7052378

The role of petroleum source rock kerogen in the origin and evolution of the geoporphyrins was investigated by measuring the Ni and V content of four oil shale kerogens and comparing the Ni(II) and VO(II) porphyrins in the bitumen of two oil shales with the Ni(II) and VO(II) porphyrins generated from the associated kerogens during simulated catagenesis. A method for determining the organically-bound Ni and V content of kerogen by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was used to measure the Ni and V content of four oil shale kerogens Green River (Colorado); New Albany (Clark County, IN); Sunbury (Powell County, KY); Woodford (Carter County, OK). Sequential pyrolysis at temperatures ranging from 100-450/sup 0/C generated organically-bound Ni and V complexes from the New Albany and Woodford kerogens (determined by INAA), including Ni(II) and VO(II) porphyrins (determined by uv-visible spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography). Nickel and vanadyl porphyrins are associated with the kerogen in a similar manner providing direct evidence that kerogen is involved in the geochemical evolution of both metalloporphyrins. The Ni(II) and VO(II) porphyrins in New Albany shale bitumen-I and kerogen pyrolysates were investigated using liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and electron impact-mass spectrometry. Alternate porphyrin series are generated form the kerogen, but the mineral matrix may also be involved in their formation and association in source rocks.

Research Organization:
Washington State Univ., Pullman (USA)
OSTI ID:
7052378
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English