Pore structure significantly governs the seepage characteristics of porous media. This study investigates this influence by comparing the infiltration behavior of homogeneous and heterogeneous porous structures through microfluidic experiments and numerical simulations. It constructed one heterogeneous structure derived from real rock cores and four homogeneous structures with regular particle arrangements, all with identical porosity. Heterogeneous structure and homogeneous structure exhibit similar finger-like flow patterns and minimal differences in water saturation. Air displacement in dead-end pores is driven by internal-external pressure differences, with water replacing air only when internal pressure surpasses external pressure. In homogeneous models, water pressure shows pulse-like fluctuations; pressure peaks due to interfacial resistance decrease from approximately 88 Pa to approximately 38 Pa as pore size increases. Meniscus evolution, linked to pore width variations, presents three states: Stretching, equilibrium, and expansion. This study clarifies the dominant role of pore morphology in fluid transport, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing structural design and efficiently regulating seepage processes in engineering applications such as resource extraction and CO₂ sequestration.

The development of geo-energy resources plays a crucial role in transitioning towards a sustainable energy future and achieving carbon neutrality. Conventional experimental approaches, constrained by macroscopic-scale observations and high costs, often fail to capture critical microscale mechanisms. In contrast, microfluidic technology offers distinct advantages through high-resolution visualization, high-throughput screening, and precise simulation of practical conditions such as temperature, pressure, pore structures, and chemical reactions, effectively addressing key challenges in geo-energy extraction. This review systematically examines innovative applications of microfluidics in shale gas reservoir, carbon capture, utilization and storage, chemical enhanced oil recovery, enhanced geothermal system, and natural gas hydrate. It further investigates prevailing challenges regarding material compatibility, scale translation, and data extrapolation methodologies. The study demonstrates that microfluidic systems provide innovative experimental methodologies, enabling unprecedented precision in elucidating complex geological processes through enhanced mass transfer efficiency and high-throughput screening capabilities, thereby bridging microscale mechanisms with macroscale phenomena. In the future advancements, the microfluidic technology demands synergistic convergence with materials science, chemical reactions, artificial intelligence, and physical explanation to promote the geo-energy research. This interdisciplinary convergence will provide scientific foundation for developing efficient and sustainable energy solutions.