Graphene Oxide–Based Supramolecular Heavy Oil Viscosity Reductor

ABSTRACT The mechanism of high viscosity of heavy oil includes the strong hydrogen bonding interaction between colloids and the π–π stacking, which makes the asphalt form a neat sheet‐like molecular layer, causing a sharp increase in viscosity. Graphene oxide ( GO ) is a two‐dimensional material containing hydrophobic carbon fragments and functional hydrophilic oxygen groups. It can be treated as an excellent amphiphilic surfactant with low surface or interfacial tension. This article focuses on the interfacial behavior of GO and the GO /base mixture at the crude oil/water interface and systematically studies their viscosity reduction mechanism on high viscosity crude oil. The addition of GO can significantly reduce the viscosity of crude oil. In addition, the interfacial rheological properties, interfacial tension ( IFT ), and solubility in base solution of GO were systematically studied.