Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here.
About the Project
CO2 injection into deep aquifers aquifers or depleted oil reservoirs is a promising method for safe carbon geological storage (CGS). Four primary mechanisms of CGS have been identified as structural, residual, dissolution and mineralisation trapping. The combined contribution of structural and residual trapping mechanisms accounts for more than 75% of the total amount of trapped CO2 over the first century after injection1, and both mechanisms are controlled by the rock-brine-CO2 wetting state. However, the underlying physics of the wettability response to CO2 injection is still poorly understood. It is generally agreed that wettability alteration associated with CGS is caused by changes in electrostatic interactions at mineral-brine and brine-CO2 interfaces. These interactions are characterised by an interfacial petrophysical property termed the zeta potential, but polarity and magnitude of the zeta potential in sandstone systems containing both brine and immiscible CO2 is still debatable. Under supercritical CO2 conditions, typical for CGS, pH and chemical composition of formation water change leading to rock dissolution and shift in electrochemical equilibrium of the system, all of which impact the zeta potential and therefore wettability.
The aim of this project is to acquire laboratory data on the zeta potential in sandstone-brine-CO2 systems, and based on these data to model chemical and specific adsorption reactions that take place at the silica-brine and brine-CO2 interfaces. Laboratory experiments will be carried out using readily available equipment at the School of Engineering. The interpretation of the measured zeta potentials will be carried out using surface complexation modelling software2 (PhreeqC) combined with a bespoke molecular dynamics model. The project will improve our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for wettability alteration during CO2 injection into sandstone formations.
The project will be carried out in collaboration with BRGM and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), with the corresponding contribution from Dr Philippe Leroy and Dr Johannes Lützenkirchen. The project is suitable for students with any engineering, physics, chemistry or geoscience background.
The project will require Additional Research Costs (ARC) to cover expenses associated with BRGM and KIT visits and consumables required for laboratory experiments.
Selection will be made on the basis of academic merit. The successful candidate should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in geoscience, engineering or other relevant backgrounds.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php
• Apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering
• State name of the lead supervisor as the Name of Proposed Supervisor
• State ‘Self-funded’ as Intended Source of Funding
• State the exact project title on the application form
When applying please ensure all required documents are attached:
• All degree certificates and transcripts (Undergraduate AND Postgraduate MSc-officially translated into English where necessary)
• Detailed CV, Personal Statement/Motivation Letter and Intended source of funding
Informal inquiries can be made to Dr J Vinogradov (jan.vinogradov@abdn.ac.uk) with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Postgraduate Research School (pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk)
Funding Notes
References
2. Li, S., Leroy, P., Heberling, F., Devau, N., Jougnot, D., & Chiaberge, C. (2016). Influence of surface conductivity on the apparent zeta potential of calcite. Journal of colloid and interface science, 468, 262–275, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2016.01.075.
Email Now
Why not add a message here
The information you submit to Aberdeen University will only be used by them or their data partners to deal with your enquiry, according to their privacy notice. For more information on how we use and store your data, please read our privacy statement.

Search suggestions
Based on your current searches we recommend the following search filters.
Check out our other PhDs in Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Check out our other PhDs in United Kingdom
Start a New search with our database of over 4,000 PhDs

PhD suggestions
Based on your current search criteria we thought you might be interested in these.
Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling of free surface flows over packing materials in a CO2 absorber
University of Sheffield
Concerning the properties and stability of resonant interfacial waves arising at the interface of two immiscible fluids under the actions of surface tension and gravity.
Kingston University
Molecular modelling and experimental Investigation of the oxygen reduction reaction in PEM fuel cells.
University of Sheffield