Micromodels contribution to the study of mineralization in the context of geological CO2 storage

In the realm of New Energy Technologies, gaining a deeper understanding of fluid flow phenomena in porous media is essential to advance applications such as geothermal energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) storage.
This PhD project aims to address the issue of mineralization in the context of geological CO2 storage by leveraging cutting-edge experimental tools like micromodels — transparent, two-dimensional porous media. While mineralization is recognized as a reliable method for securing CO2 storage, with its underlying reactions extensively studied, the specific mechanisms occurring within a porous medium remain poorly understood.
At IFPEN laboratories, we already have significant expertise in conducting micromodel experiments, including those under pressure and temperature conditions relevant to subsurface environments. One of the key goals of this research will be to collaborate with the IPGG technological platform to design experimental micromodels that enable the observation and quantification of mineral dissolution and deposition reactions. These experiments will employ advanced optical or spectroscopic techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy.
The experimental data generated will serve to inform and enhance reactive flow simulators, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of the impacts of dissolved CO2 on fluid flow dynamics and rock reactivity at larger scales within the subsurface.
Join three teams of excellence! This thesis work will benefit from the combined expertise of several leading research structures (IFPEN, IPGG’s technological platform for microfluidics and Mines Paris PSL Geosciences Center in Fontainebleau) as well as from the proximity to students working on related topics (e.g., machine learning and experimentation using micromodels). 
The advances enabled by this thesis topic should offer numerous perspectives in New Energy Technologies and beyond. This PhD project is funded by the MERCASTO (MEsurer, Réduire, Capter, STOcker les émissions industrielles de CO2) project.

Keywords: Microfluidics, reactive flows, CO2, experimentation

• Academic supervisor    Dr Pascal MOUGIN, IFPEN, ORCID : 0000-0002-4399-9286
• Doctoral School    ED388 CPCAP6, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) 
• IFPEN supervisor    Dr Nicolas PANNACCI, Direction Sciences de la Terre et Technologies de l’Environnement
• PhD location   IFPEN, Rueil-Malmaison, France and IPGG, Paris, France
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting in the first quarter 2026
• Employer    PSL (doctoral contract)
• Funding    MERCASTO
• Academic requirements    University Master degree in Physical Sciences or in Chemical Sciences    
• Language requirements    English level B2 (CEFR)    

    
To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to the IFPEN supervisor indicated here below.