InterPore2026

Micro-CT and SEM characterization on biochar-modified wellbore cement exposed to a CO2-rich environment

20 May 2026, 15:05

15m

Oral Presentation (MS10) Advances in imaging porous media: techniques, software and case studies MS10

Speaker

Prof. Liwei Zhang (Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Description

In this study, comprehensive micro-CT and SEM analyses were conducted on wellbore cement (both a control wellbore cement sample and a CO2-resisting biochar-modified wellbore cement sample) exposed to high pressure CO2, mimicking typical geologic CO2 storage conditions. Micro-CT and SEM images revealed that for CO2 alteration of the control sample, the pore volume at the sample surface increased with the alteration time. The cement’s structure and material composition underwent significant changes. In contrast, the CO2-resisting biochar-modified wellbore cement sample demonstrated greater effectiveness in mitigating CO2 alteration, with a 30.97% inhibition efficiency of alteration compared with the control sample. The micro-CT and SEM characterization results of the CO2-resisting biochar-modified wellbore cement revealed two primary reinforcement mechanisms: (1) promoting the fast growth of calcite within the pores of the cement near the sample surface and (2) preventing CO2 infiltration due to the preloaded CO2 within the pores of the biochar, along with its water-holding capacity,
which aids in internal curing within the cement matrix.