We have demonstrated a hybrid flow-to-batch process for synthesizing monodisperse poly(styrene-co-acrylamide) nanoparticles via a surfactant-free emulsion radical polymerization. The flow-to-batch synthesized nanoparticles have a smaller average particle size, tighter particle size distribution, higher molecular weight, and lower molecular weight distribution compared to conventionally batch-synthesized nanoparticles. Our results also indicate that the flow-to-batch synthesized nanoparticles have more hydrophilic acrylamide segments on the particle surface than the batch-synthesized nanoparticles. These results demonstrate that a flow synthesis process can improve the quality of nanoparticles due to the efficient mixing and heat transfer in a flow reactor and simplify the scale up of nanoparticle synthesis in a conventional chemistry lab.
Cost-efficient tracers with fast and simple detection and quantification methods at low detection limits via on-site detection is a current industrial target for state-of-the-art tracer tests. To bridge the gap between the desired tracer properties and detection limits, we developed a broad spectrum of robust and cost-efficient fluorescent tags to innovate the current reservoir management practices. We engineered new tracers and extended tracer test applications for on-site real-time well-drilling monitoring to label drill cuttings as they are made at the drill-bit face to improve drill-cuttings depth correlation. These developed fluorescent tracers not only have the low detection limits of fluorescent spectroscopy techniques but also allow for automated detection at minimal concentrations of 0.025–0.037 mol.%. These developed tracers allow us to detect the real-time drilling depth, thereby enhancing hydrocarbon recovery. Thus, the reported innovative fluorescent-based tracing approach would (1) reduce drilling depth correlation uncertainty, (2) optimize well placement, and (3) maximize oil production.
Pickering emulsions (PEs) achieve interfacial stabilization by colloidal particle surfactants and are commonly used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently been used as stabilizing materials to create dynamic single emulsions. In this study, we used the formation of Meisenheimer complexes on functionalized CNTs to fabricate complex biphasic emulsions containing hydrocarbons (HCs) and fluorocarbons (FCs). The reversible nature of Meisenheimer complex formation allows for further functionalization at the droplet−water interface. The strong affinity of fluorofluorescent perylene bisimide (F-PBI) to the CNTs was used to enhance the assembly of CNTs on the FC−water interface. The combination of different concentrations of the functionalized CNTs and the pelene additive enables predictable complex emulsion morphologies. Reversible morphology reconfiguration was explored with the addition of molecular surfactants. Our results show that the interfacial properties of functionalized CNTs have considerable utility in the fabrication of complex dynamic emulsions.
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