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Geochemistry and Interfacial Sciences

The Geochemistry and Interfacial Sciences Group conducts fundamental and applied research on fluid-solid interactions that control

  • contaminant fate and transport in subsurface geologic environments
  • carbon capture, conversion and sequestration
  • crystal nucleation and growth
  • heterogeneous reaction rates, mechanisms and geochemical equilibria in general

Our principal research projects include “Atomic- to Pore-Scale Geochemical Processes;” and the "Interfacial Dynamics in Radioactive Environments and Materials (IDREAM) Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC);” 

In these and a number of smaller applied projects, we integrate modeling with a wide array of experimental and analytical approaches to quantify the properties of interfacial and pore-confined fluids, reaction rates and mechanisms at fluid-solid interfaces, and transport of solvents and solutes through porous media at the nano- to macroscopic length scales.

We are pioneering the application of neutron and synchrotron-based X-ray scattering and spectroscopies to quantify interfacial and pore scale fluid-solid interactions.  These results are interpreting using atomic- to meso-scale simulations where we probe reaction mechanisms using rare event theories and the determine role of fluid transport in porous media using computational fluid dynamics.

Our work is primarily funded by the Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences.

Mechanisms of Atomic- to Pore-Scale Geochemical Processes

Fundamental research on chemical processes in aqueous solutions, at mineral-water interfaces, and within geologic media. Supported by the DOE Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division.

Fundamental Mechanisms Driving Efficiency of CO2 Capture Using Mineral Looping

Fundamental research on the reaction mechanisms of direct air capture of CO2 from the atmosphere using mineral-based sorbents. Supported by the DOE Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division."

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Group Leader, Geochemistry & Interfacial Sciences
Group Leader, Geochemistry & Interfacial Sciences

Fundamental research on the reaction mechanisms of direct air capture of CO2 from the atmosphere using mineral-based sorbents. Supported by the DOE Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division.

 

Basic energy sciences

Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences.