The nanoscale molecular composition of kerogen is a challenging parameter to characterize given the chemical and structural complexity exhibited by this important biopolymer. However, kerogen composition will strongly impact its reactivity and so is a critical parameter to understand petroleum generation processes during kerogen catagenesis. The recent advent of tip-enhanced analytical methods, such as atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR), has allowed for the major compositional features of kerogen to be elucidated at spatial resolutions at or below 50 nm. Here we apply AFM-IR to examine inertinite, an important kerogen maceral type, from an immature Eagle Ford Shale sample. Our data show that the nanoscale molecular composition of the examined inertinite is: (i) less heterogeneous than other organic matter types from the Eagle Ford Shale and (ii) more hydrogen- and oxygen-rich than inertinite from the New Albany Shale at a similar stage of thermal maturity.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Title | Atomic Force Microscopy-based Infrared Spectroscopy Data within Immature Eagle Ford Shale at the Nanometer-scale |
| DOI | 10.5066/P9A03D91 |
| Authors | Mary R Croke, Aaron M Jubb, Paul C Hackley, Justin E Birdwell, Javin J Hatcherian, Jing Qu |
| Product Type | Data Release |
| Record Source | USGS Digital Object Identifier Catalog |
| USGS Organization | Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center |
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Justin Birdwell
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Paul C. Hackley, Ph.D.
Research Geologist
Javin J. Hatcherian
Physical Science Technician
Mary R. Croke
Physical Science Student
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Justin Birdwell
Research Engineer and GeochemistEmailPhonePaul C. Hackley, Ph.D.
Research GeologistEmailPhoneJavin J. Hatcherian
Physical Science TechnicianEmailPhoneMary R. Croke
Physical Science StudentEmailPhone