Effects of synthesized nanoparticles and Henna-Tragacanth solutions on oil/water interfacial tension: Nanofluids stability considerations

Abstract

Rising global energy demand has encouraged engineers to create and design new methods to improve oil recovery from reservoirs. In this study, feasibility of using Henna extract as a natural surfactant and synthesized nanoparticles (Titanium dioxide (TiO2), Silicon dioxide (SiO2), Graphene and composite of TiO2-Graphene) for reduction of oil-water interfacial tension has been experimentally investigated. Nanoparticles were synthesized via sol-gel method and XRD, FESEM, EDAX and FTIR tests were conducted to confirm the authenticity of this synthesizing materials. Nano-surfactants were stabled with a natural water-based suspending surfactant called Tragacanth extract, which could be introduced as a practical substitute for industrial nanoparticles' stabilizers in oil industry. After CMC determination of Henna extract surfactant, the optimal concentration of Tragacanth extract surfactant, with the purpose of nano-surfactants’ stabilization, was determined through particle size and zeta potential tests. Results of interfacial tension (IFT) measurements showed that the increase of Henna extract concentration from 0 wt% to 10 wt% reduced IFT between kerosene and water from 37.23 to 15.24 mN/m. Furthermore, adding 1 wt% of synthesized TiO2 nanoparticle to the Henna extract surfactant at its CMC value reduced IFT from 18.43 to 14.57 mN/m. As an impact of this significant reduction in IFT value, oil recovery factor could be improved drastically during EOR operations. Results proved that TiO2 nano-surfactant was as effective as industrial surfactants, which put human's and environment's health at risk and impose heavy economic strain on governments.