Molecular Fingerprinting of Energy Materials
Completed
By Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
November 14, 2018
The chemical composition of complex solid organic matter (OM) from sedimentary reservoirs is a key parameter in the generation of hydrocarbon fuels. Vibrational spectroscopies such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman have been widely applied to understand the molecular make-up of these hydrocarbon precursors, as well as provide links to their thermal histories via correlation to proven geothermometers such as vitrinite reflectance and programmed pyrolysis. However, FTIR and Raman are subject to inherent limitations (e.g., fluorescence interferences and low spatial resolution, respectively) that decrease their utility for understanding the chemical composition of heterogeneous OM throughout fuel-generation reactions. In this task we develop and apply new (e.g., surface enhanced Raman scattering and coupled atomic force microscopy-infrared spectroscopy) and existing spectroscopic approaches to fill knowledge gaps regarding the molecular composition of fuel-generating OM. These data provide fundamental insight into hydrocarbon fuels and their precursors which allow for more accurate assessments of the energy endowment of the United States.
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Below are other science projects associated with this project task.
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Since its establishment in 1879, USGS geoscientists have investigated the geochemistry of energy resources. Research conducted in the Geochemistry of Energy Fuels project continues this tradition. Goals include 1) understanding the geologic, geochemical, microbiological, and other factors that control production, quality, and composition of coal, petroleum, and nuclear fuels, and 2) predicting the...
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