Journal des nanosciences : recherche actuelle

Improved Oil Recovery Through the Use of Titanium Dioxide and Silica Nanoparticles

Abstract

J Nanosci Curr Res

By designing new materials based on their surface modifier with a variety of functional properties and applications, surface engineering of nanoparticles has helped advance nanoscience and nanotechnology. If an ionic surfactant alters their surface, dispersed nanoparticles can alter the interfacial properties of a liquid-liquid system in the aqueous phase. Ions and the nanoparticle-brine system's interfacial energy have a tendency to alter pore channel transport and enhance recovery. Some advantages of using particles suspended at Nano scales include the ability to easily counterbalance gravity's force with induced sedimentation stability. Their Nano size, nanostructure, high volume-to-surface ratio, and strong rock fluid interaction all contributed to this. Additionally, it alters the surface characteristics of surfactant and polymer within the rock in a porous medium and affects the stability of the emulsion. Due to their potential response to reduce the interfacial tension at low to ultra-low levels, wettability reversal, and improvement in formation fluid rheology, nanoscience applications have solved some of the issues with conventional EOR processes. Nanoparticles' large specific surface area, high reactivity, toughness, and other characteristics can significantly enhance oil mobility in comparison to conventional EOR. In relation to silica and titanium dioxide nanoparticles in various environments within surfactant(s), polymer(s), and polymer-surfactant EOR processes, the most recent review, experimental evidence, and reinterpretation of previous research data and applications are updated in this paper.