Nanoscale Interfacial Smoothing and Dissolution during Unconventional Reservoir Stimulation: Implications for Hydrocarbon Mobilization and Transport.

Hydraulic fracturing of low-permeability rocks significantly enhances hydrocarbon production from unconventional reservoirs. However, fluid transport through low-permeability rocks and the influence of geochemical transformations on pore networks are poorly constrained. Mineral reactivity during interactions with injected water may alter the physical nature of the rock, which may affect hydrocarbon mobility.