A comparative investigation on the analytical properties and nanostructure of the Sargelu and Asmari reservoirs

The objective of this research was to gain insight into the composition and nanostructure of two shale formations, Sargelu and Asmari. Among the techniques used are X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), FESEM focused ion beam (FIB), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to the XRD results, the main components of both shales were calcite, quartz, and kaolinite. CaO, SiO2, and Fe2O3 were the most common components in both reservoirs, according to the XRF analysis, while P2O5, SrO, and MoO3 were only found in the Asmari formation. According to the TGA study, organic matter and other probable carbonate components comprised 37% of the Sargelu and 40.5% of the Asmari shales. The organic functional groups were detected using FTIR in both samples. Subsequently, various microscopy techniques were utilized to examine different pores, cracks, and nanostructures in each formation.