Abstract
Developing solid-free nanoemulsions with pH responsiveness is desirable in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. Here, we report the synthesis of an interfacial activity controllable surfactant (T−DBA) through dynamic imine bonding between taurine (T) and p-decyloxybenzaldehyde (DBA). Instead of macroemulsions, nanoemulsions can be prepared by using T−DBA as an emulsifier. The dynamic imine bond of T−DBA enables switching between the active and inactive states in response to pH. This switching of interfacial activity was used to gate the stability of nanoemulsions, thus enabling us to turn the nanoemulsions off and on. Using such dynamic imine bonds to govern nanoemulsion stability could enable intelligent control of many processes such as heavy oil recovery and interfacial reactions.
Highlights
Developing solid-free nanoemulsions with pH responsiveness is desirable in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications
The pH value of the nanoemulsion systems was adjusted by adding HCl or KOH to the system, which was monitored by using a Sartorius basic pH meter PB-10
The emulsifier obtained in this work can be used to prepare pH-responsive nanoemulsions
Summary
In the petroleum industry, forming stable emulsions with small droplet sizes (nanoemulsions) is important so that the oil can pass through rock pores without becoming trapped during enhanced oil recovery (EOR). When the pH changes, the protonation or deprotonation of the responsive group in the molecule results in the surfactant switching between the active and inactive states, contributing to the pH-responsive nature of the emulsions. Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 1390 molecule results in the surfactant switching between the active and inactive states, of contributing to the pH-responsive nature of the emulsions. These surfactants usually require a complicated synthesis process [12,27]. This work provides theoretical and technical support for designing sive emulsifiers based on dynamic covalent bonds and their application in EOR. PH-responsive emulsifiers based on dynamic covalent bonds and their application in EOR
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