Controls on methane sorption capacity of Mesoproterozoic gas shales from the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Australia and global shales

In the organic-lean lower Kyalla shale samples clay minerals control microporosity and CH4 adsorption. It is the high illite/muscovite content (30-40%) in particular that is indicated to be the main contributor to microporosity and gas adsorption capacity. Results from the analysis of the global shale adsorption data set are in agreement with these findings, showing that for organic-lean shales with a TOC < 2% clay may be the primary control on CH4 adsorption.