Micro-scale response of coal with respect to CO2 sequestration in deep coal seams

Anthropogenic energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are higher than ever and continue to increase. Injection of CO2 into deep coal seams has great potential to sequester CO2, while simultaneously enhancing coalbed methane recovery (CO2-ECBM). Although ongoing pilot projects worldwide show early favourable results, many operational problems occur during CO2 injection, primarily because uncertainties remain in understanding the complex physics of CO2-coal interactions. Thus, the aim of my research is to fully understand the mechanisms of CO2-coal interactions and reservoir processes involved with CO2 injection into coal seams. Finally, possible actions are suggested to surmount operational problems.