Synergistic effects of silica aerogels and SDS nanofluids on CO2 sequestration and enhanced oil recovery

Abstract

This study explores the combined application of hydrophobic silica aerogels and SDS to enhance CO2 storage capacity and oil recovery. Experimental data highlighted a marked increase in CO2 solubility within silica aerogel-SDS nanofluids compared to brine and SDS solutions. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed CO2 adsorption into nanopores. Silica aerogel nanoparticles extended CO2 foam half-life by 6 % versus 62 % decline for sole SDS foam from 30 to 140 °C. Adjusting the SDS to nanoparticle ratio affects foam properties, with a ratio of 1.5 yielding optimal results. Core flooding experiments demonstrated a 75 % rise in CO2 trapping efficiency using the nanofluids over SDS solutions. Two-dimensional tests showed aerogel-SDS foam surpassed SDS foam flooding by 12 % incremental oil recovery in upper layers, attributed to enhanced profile control. The combined agents present an effective approach for geological CO2 storage and EOR optimization.