Integrating Hydraulic Fracturing and Oil Displacement with Micellar-Enhanced Supramolecular Fluids

A strategy for integrating hydraulic fracturing and oil displacement using a supramolecular fracturing fluid (HMP–OB14–C8OH) is proposed to mitigate formation damage and ecological pollution during hydraulic fracturing. This fluid, composed of amphiphilic polymers (HMPs), tetradecyl dimethylamine oxide (OB14), and n-octanol (C8OH), enhances viscosity by 62 mPa·s through C8OH-promoted OB14 micelle growth. Analyses using cryo-transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirm that the supramolecular interactions between OB14 and C8OH increase viscoelasticity and improve tolerance to temperature, shear, and salt as well as proppant suspension. Additionally, these supramolecular interactions facilitate gel breakage, thereby reducing formation damage. Compared to conventional hydroxypropyl guar (HPG) fracturing fluid, this system demonstrates superior imbibition recovery and oil displacement efficiency, offering a promising and environmentally friendly solution for oil displacement and fracturing.