In Situ X-Ray Diffraction Study of Na+ Saturated Montmorillonite Exposed to Variably Wet Super Critical CO2
Reactions involving variably hydrated super critical CO{sub 2} (scCO{sub 2}) and a Na saturated dioctahedral smectite (Na-STX-1) were examined by in situ high-pressure x-ray diffraction at 50 C and two different pressures (90 and 180 bars); conditions that are relevant to long term geologic storage of CO{sub 2}. Both hydration and dehydration reactions were rapid with appreciable reaction occurring in minutes and near steady state within an hour. Hydration occurred stepwise as a function of increasing H{sub 2}O in the system; 1W, 2W-3W, and >3W clay hydration states were stable from {approx} 1.5-30%, {approx} 31-55 < 64%, and {ge} {approx} 71% H{sub 2}O saturation in scCO{sub 2}, respectively. Exposure of sub 1W clay to anhydrous scCO{sub 2} caused interlayer expansion, not contraction as expected for dehydration. In contrast, control experiments using pressurized N{sub 2} and similar initial conditions as in the scCO{sub 2} study, showed little to no change in the d{sub 001} spacing, or hydration states, of the clay. Comparison of the N{sub 2} and scCO{sub 2} experiments indicates that the induced changes are not a pressure effect, but rather are due to the intrinsic properties of scCO{sub 2}. A salient implication for CO{sub 2} sequestration and cap rock integrity is that clays can dehydrate when exposed to wet scCO{sub 2}. For example, the {approx} 3W clay hydration state appears to be unstable and the structure will collapse by {approx} 3 {angstrom} in the c* direction, or {approx} 15%, if exposed to scCO{sub 2} at less than or equal to about 64% H{sub 2}O saturation. Further, the evidence suggests that CO{sub 2} intercalated the interlayer region of the sub 1W clay which might provide a secondary trapping mechanism for CO{sub 2}.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States). Environmental Molecular Sciences Lab. (EMSL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1040666
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-85184; ESTHAG; 39937; KC0303020; TRN: US201211%%30
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 46, Issue 7; ISSN 0013-936X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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