Synthesis, Characterization, and Assessment of a CeO2@Nanoclay Nanocomposite for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Abstract

In this paper, synthesis and characterization of a novel CeO2/nanoclay nanocomposite (NC) and its effects on IFT reduction and wettability alteration is reported in the literature for the first time. The NC was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and EDS MAP. The surface morphology, crystalline phases, and functional groups of the novel NC were investigated. Nanofluids with different concentrations of 100, 250, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm were prepared and used as dispersants in porous media. The stability, pH, conductivity, IFT, and wettability alternation characteristics of the prepared nanofluids were examined to find out the optimum concentration for the selected carbonate and sandstone reservoir rocks. Conductivity and zeta potential measurements showed that a nanofluid with concentration of 500 ppm can reduce the IFT from 35 mN/m to 17 mN/m (48.5% reduction) and alter the contact angle of the tested carbonate and sandstone reservoir rock samples from 139° to 53° (38% improvement in wettability alteration) and 123° to 90° (27% improvement in wettability alteration), respectively. A cubic fluorite structure was identified for CeO2 using the standard XRD data. FESEM revealed that the surface morphology of the NC has a layer sheet morphology of CeO2/SiO2 nanocomposite and the particle sizes are approximately 20 to 26 nm. TGA analysis results shows that the novel NC has a high stability at 90 °C which is a typical upper bound temperature in petroleum reservoirs. Zeta potential peaks at concentration of 500 ppm which is a sign of stabilty of the nanofluid. The results of this study can be used in design of optimum yet effective EOR schemes for both carbobate and sandstone petroleum reservoirs.

V2O5, CeO2 and Their MWCNTs Nanocomposites Modified for the Removal of Kerosene from Water

“…Adsorption equilibria explain the physicochemical processes involved in sorption and kinetic measures [32,59,60]. It also explains the degree of the transport mechanism of wastewater pollutants into the adsorbent which is comprised of the external mass transfer of the sorbate from the bulk solution to the surface of the sorbent, the internal diffusion of the sorbate to the adsorption site, and the overall adsorption process [33,61]. The kinetic models are relatively efficient when determining the rate at which the adsorbent efficiently removes the adsorbate such as kerosene.…”

“…The interactions between the sorbents and adsorbents are e retical approaches such as equilibrium isotherms and adsorpti equilibria explain the physicochemical processes involved i measures [32,59,60]. It also explains the degree of the transport m pollutants into the adsorbent which is comprised of the external m ate from the bulk solution to the surface of the sorbent, the interna to the adsorption site, and the overall adsorption process [33,61] relatively efficient when determining the rate at which the adsor the adsorbate such as kerosene.…”

“…Detailed analysis of the relevant literature showed that adsorption is a promising method being highly efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly [31,32]. Similarly, the modification of MWCNTs results in an increase in the hydrophobicity with regard to adsorption and subsequent removal of hydrocarbons from oil spills [33]. Usually, the modified surface structure exhibits improved properties concerning hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity, which is very important for the separation of oil-in-water emulsions [19,24].…”

Field Applications of Nanotechnology in the Oil and Gas Industry: Recent Advances and Perspectives

“…CEOR processes are among the techniques that have been improved by the inclusion of nanoparticles in their related processes and/or fluid formulations, , as these nanoparticulate systems can increase scanning efficiency to improve capillary and/or viscous forces at reservoir conditions by altering wettability, − reduce interfacial tension (IFT), ,− and increase the viscosity of the displacing fluid. − …”

Effect of Modified Fe3O4 Magnetic NPs on the Absorption Capacity of CO2 in Water, Wettability Alteration of Carbonate Rock Surface, and Water–Oil Interfacial Tension for Oilfield Applications

“…NPs can also reduce interfacial tension between oil and water, thus increasing the EOR by changing the interfacial properties. , Roustaei et al examined the influence of modified silica NPs on the interfacial tension between oil and water. They claimed that these NPs had a positive effect on the IFT reduction .…”