CO2 sequestration in geological formations: Insights into mineral reactions and reservoir dynamics

Geological carbon sequestration (GCS) is a key strategy for mitigating climate change by injecting captured CO${}_2$ into deep subsurface formations. This review examines how mineral dissolution and precipitation influence transport properties, particularly porosity and permeability, during CO${}_2$ injection. As injected CO${}_2$ reacts with formation brine and minerals, a cascade of geochemical processes alters reservoir structure and flow dynamics, ultimately governing storage efficiency and long-term containment.

We assess the roles of CO${}_2$ solubility, pressure, temperature, salinity, and pH in driving carbonate reactions and mineral stability, with particular emphasis on their coupled impacts under reservoir-relevant conditions. Reactive transport regimes are classified using dimensionless parameters such as the Péclet and Damköhler numbers, which reveal dominant dissolution patterns and guide predictive modeling of fluid–rock interactions.

CO${}_2$ trapping mechanisms, including structural, residual, solubility, and mineral trapping, are analyzed in the context of evolving geochemical and hydrodynamic conditions. Advances in experimental visualization and multiscale modeling are synthesized to bridge pore-scale reactivity with reservoir-scale storage performance.

Recent advances in microfluidics, real-time imaging, and 1D/2D/3D analog experiments are discussed alongside field-scale simulations to bridge pore-to-reservoir-scale processes. By integrating reactive transport theory with imaging-based experiments and modeling frameworks, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of CO${}_2$ fate in geologic media. The findings underscore the need for site-specific modeling, high-resolution diagnostics, and interdisciplinary strategies to ensure secure and efficient GCS implementation.