This book is a systematic compilation of the most recent body of knowledge in the rapidly developing research area of greenhouse gas interaction with clay systems. Unexpected results of the most recent studies – such as unusually high sorption capacity and sorption hysteresis of swelling clays –stimulated theoretical activity in this fascinating field. Classical molecular dynamics (MD) explains swelling caused by intercalation of water molecules and to a certain degree of CO2 molecules in clay interlayer. However, unusual frequency shifts in the transient infrared fingerprints of the intercalated molecules and the following accelerated carbonation can be tackled only via quantum mechanical modeling. This book provides a streamlined (from simple to complex) guide to the most advanced research efforts in this field.

This volume is the edited proceedings of a conference seeking to clarify the possible role of clays in the origin of life on Earth. At the heart of the problem of the origin of life lie fundamental questions such as: What kind of properties is a model of a primitive living system required to exhibit and what would its most plausible chemical and molecular makeup be? Answers to these questions have traditionally been sought in terms of properties that are held to be common to all contemporary organisms. However, there are a number of different ideas both on the nature and on the evolutionary priority of 'common vital properties', notably those based on protoplasmic, biochemical and genetic theories of life. This is therefore the first area for consideration in this volume and the contributors then examine to what extent the properties of clay match those required by the substance which acted as the template for life.

Origin and Mineralogy of Clays, the first of two volumes, lays the groundwork for a thorough study of clays in the environment. The second volume will deal with environmental interaction. Going from soils to sediments to diagenesis and hydrothermal alteration, the book covers the whole spectrum of clays. The chapters on surface environments are of great relevance in regard to environmental problems in soils, rivers and lake-ocean situations, showing the greatest interaction between living species and the chemicals in their habitat. The book is of interest to scientists and students working on environmental issues.

Clay Minerals and Synthetic Analogous as Emulsifiers of Pickering Emulsions begins with basic concepts of Pickering emulsions, describes the thermodynamic, kinetic and gravitational stability, the methods of preparation, and the most common characterization techniques. Next, the book presents detailed structure, properties, and physical-chemical modifications of natural and synthetic layered minerals to optimize its properties. Figures and schemes are prepared for experts in the area as well as the undergraduate and graduate students from many different research areas where clay minerals, synthetic layered materials and Pickering emulsion have potential applications. Clay Minerals and Synthetic Analogous as Emulsifiers of Pickering Emulsions fills a gap in the literature, stimulates the aggregation of value of clay minerals, and shows the readers the methods of preparation, characterization, and applications of Pickering emulsions stabilized with layered materials, giving special attention to clay minerals. - Fills a gap in the literature with multidisciplinary coverage of Pickering Emulsions - Presents methods of preparation, characterization, and applications of Pickering emulsions for clay minerals - Includes contributions from top experts in the relevant fields

Introduction to Clay Minerals is designed to give a detailed, concise and clear introduction to clay mineralogy. Using the information presented here, one should be able to understand clays and their mineralogy, their uses and importance in modern life.

This book presents the latest studies of the CNPq Research Group (Estudos para Armazenamento Geológico de Carbono – CCS) of the Institute of Energy and Environment/Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation, at the University of Sao Paulo. The studies are related to the technical and regulatory issues for implementing Carbon, Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, especially CO2 geological storage in the Paraná and Santos Basins. The parent project, entitled "Carbon Geological Storage in Brazil: "Perspectives for CCS in unconventional petroleum reservoirs of onshore Paraná sedimentary basin and turbidites from offshore sedimentary basins in southeast Brazil", was funded by SHELL and FAPESP. The book intends to provide an overview of the potential for secured long-term CO2 storage in the Paraná and Santos basins with high prospects for CCS. The central academic findings refer to CO2 reservoir properties and main criteria for site selection to improve the Brazilian CCUS development's decision-making process and contribute to the R&D plan for greenhouse gas emissions mitigation of the Southeastern Region, with geological evaluations and regulatory analyses. The book aims to improve the decision-making process in greenhouse gases mitigation and energy/environmental governance; therefore, it captures the specialized and non-specialized audience.

The Future of Soil Carbon: Its Conservation and Formation provides readers with an integrative approach to understanding the important role of organic carbon in soil functioning and fertility. Terrestrial interactions between SOC and complex human-natural systems require new fundamental and applied research into regional and global SOC budgets. This book provides new and synthesized information on the dynamics of SOC in the terrestrial environment. In addition to rigorous state-of-the art on soil science, the book also provides strategies to avoid risks of soil carbon losses. Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a vital component of soils, with important and far-reaching effects on the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Human activities over the last several decades have significantly changed the regional and global balance of SOC, greatly exacerbating global warming and climate change. - Provides a holistic overview of soil carbon status and main threats for its conservation - Offers innovative solutions to conserve soil carbon - Includes in-depth treatment of regional and global changes in soil organic carbon budget