Semester of Graduation
Fall 2025
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Petroleum Engineering
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) is a promising approach for large scale, long duration energy storage, but limited information exists on how hydrogen interacts with subsurface rocks and fluids. This study examines hydrogen, brine, and rock interactions under conditions representative of potential storage sites in Louisiana. Batch experiments were performed using sandstone and shale samples, synthetic formation brine, and mixed hydrogen and nitrogen gas at ambient and elevated temperatures (70 °C). Nitrogen was used as a control to distinguish hydrogen related effects. Chemical and mineralogical analyses of the fluid and solid phases were conducted using ICP-OES, TGA, and gas composition monitoring.
Results indicate that rock type and mineral composition play a dominant role in hydrogen reactivity. Sandstone, composed mainly of quartz, showed little chemical or mineral alteration, suggesting geochemical stability under the tested conditions. Shale, in contrast, exhibited increases in dissolved iron, manganese, and sulfur, indicating minor reduction and dissolution of Fe(III) minerals such as chlorite or hematite, as well as slight carbonate loss and formation of amorphous material. These patterns suggest that shale can act as a weakly reactive barrier where limited redox and hydrogen uptake processes occur.
Overall, hydrogen and rock reactions were slow and mild under low temperature and near atmospheric conditions. The results demonstrate that mineralogy, particularly the amount of iron and carbonate minerals, exerts greater control on reactivity than temperature. This work provides experimental data that support geochemical risk assessment and enhance understanding of hydrogen stability, retention, and migration within potential geological storage formations.
Date
11-2-2025
Recommended Citation
Pei, Ruoqin, "UNDERSTANDING ROCK-BRINE GEOCHEMICAL INTERACTIONS FOR UNDERGROUND HYDROGEN STORAGE" (2025). LSU Master's Theses. 6240.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/6240
Committee Chair
Gupta, Ipsita
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