Nanoscale Accessible Porosity as a Key Parameter Depicting the Topological Evolution of Organic Porous Networks

A significant part of the hydrocarbons contained in source rocks remains confined within organic matter-called kerogen-from where they are generated. Understanding sorption and transport properties kerogens is, therefore, paramount to predict production. Specifically, knowing impact thermal maturation on evolution porous network is key. Here, we propose an experimental procedure study interplay between chemical structural at nanometer scale. First, networks rock samples, covering a range natural experienced by Vaca Muerta formation (Neuquen Basin, Argentina), physically reconstructed using bright-field electron tomography. Their description allows us measure crucial parameters such as porosity, specific pore volume surface area, aperture cavity size distributions, constriction. In addition, model-free computation topological (effective connectivity, tortuosity) conducted. Overall, document general increase with maturation. This controls features depicting increasing accessibility alkane molecules, sensed effective porosity. Collectively, our results highlight input tomography complex disordered amorphous media, especially describe fluids.