AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightThe review concludes that the next stage of nanogeoscience will depend less on demonstrating isolated nanoscale effects and more on quantitatively connecting them to field observables through correlative characterization, reactive-transport modeling, uncertainty analysis, and carefully designed field validation.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
This critical review develops a multiscale framework for nanoscience and nanotechnology in geosciences, linking atomic- and nanoscale processes to observable behavior in rocks, soils, sediments, aquifers, reservoirs, ore systems, and engineered subsurface environments. The central argument is that nanoscale phenomena are not peripheral to geology: surface energy, interfacial charge, non-classical nucleation, colloid transport, redox reactions, adsorption, dissolution-precipitation, and nanoconfined fluids can govern macroscopic transport, mechanical response, resource recovery, and environmental risk. The review distinguishes natural, incidental, and engineered nanomaterials; evaluates modern characterization strategies; and synthesizes applications in clay science, environmental geochemistry, hydrogeology, mineral exploration, petroleum systems, geotechnical engineering, atmospheric and soil processes, geothermal systems, carbon storage, and emerging subsurface energy technologies. Particular attention is given to the gap between laboratory reactivity and field-scale performance, where aggregation, pore-throat filtering, mineralogical heterogeneity, salinity, natural organic matter, pressure-temperature conditions, and residence time can reverse conclusions drawn from simplified experiments. A risk-aware perspective is adopted for engineered nanomaterials, emphasizing transformation, exposure, reversibility, and standardized reporting. The review concludes that the next stage of nanogeoscience will depend less on demonstrating isolated nanoscale effects and more on quantitatively connecting them to field observables through correlative characterization, reactive-transport modeling, uncertainty analysis, and carefully designed field validation.