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Description
Underground biomethanation (UBM) converts injected H₂ and CO₂ into renewable CH₄ and H₂O through methanogens in CO₂ geological sequestration reactors, combining H₂ storage, CO₂ emission reduction, and the production and storage of renewable CH₄ to achieve a sustainable energy supply system. Currently, fundamental and technical studies of UBM remain insufficient in many areas, such as bacterial colonization, and gas and bacterial leakage during the UBM process is one of the major environmental concerns. The German team at Clausthal University of Technology has begun basic studies on UBM. As its long-standing partner, the Chinese team at Southwest Petroleum University has found that silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SNPs) added to the injected gas stream and the resulting biofilm formed by underground bacterial growth can improve the caprock’s sealability and stability. Thus, a collaborative project titled “Mechanisms of flow-chemistry-biology coupling and enhanced caprock integrity in CO₂ geological sequestration based on the synergistic effect of nanoparticles and methanogens” was initiated. TU Clausthal utilizes particle image velocimetry technology to clarify the growth and heterogeneous migration mechanism of methanogens in the presence of SNPs. Subsequently, the corresponding model coupling multiphase flow, chemistry, and biology will be established through the bilateral teams. On this basis, the Chinese team will evaluate the compaction effect of SNPs and biofilm on caprock by applying their technologies for dynamic capillary pressure evaluation and rock mechanical properties evaluation. Then, the model describing the synergistic effect of SNPs and methanogens on caprock integrity will be established through collaborative work. Finally, a coordinated optimization method for UBM and enhancement of caprock integrity will be developed, thereby making a scientific contribution to carbon neutrality and the energy transition in China and Germany. In addition, this project will involve more young and female scientists, deepen the level of international cooperation between the Sino-German teams, and establish an internationally leading Sino-German CO₂ Geosequestration and Conversion Joint Research and Development Platform.
