Droplet migration into dead-end channels at high salinity enhanced by micelle gradients of a zwitterionic surfactant

Abstract

Colloidal migration driven by electrolyte gradients is often reported in low-salinity conditions. Applying such a concept in high salinity conditions, however, is quite challenging due to the deteriorated colloidal stability and quenched electrostatic interaction. Here, droplet migration in high salinity is induced by the gradient of a zwitterionic surfactant that also stabilizes the emulsion. The reported emulsion system and mobilization strategy allow encapsulation and enhanced delivery of chemical agents for many subsurface applications.