An Analysis of the Effects of In-Situ Functionalized Nanoparticles on Oil Recovery via Interfacial Tension Reduction and Wettability Modification

Abstract The utilization of nanofluids (NFs) represents a developing area of research aimed at enhancing oil recovery and reducing the quantity of oil retained in hydrocarbon reservoirs. Experimental studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of nanoparticles (NPs) in reducing the interfacial tension (IFT) between oil and water. The methods used for synthesizing and modifying nanoparticles affect the effectiveness of these materials. The application of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP) in electroosmotic pressure (EOR) has been inadequately explored. The wet chemical method was utilized to synthesize hydroxyapatite (HAP) and enable in-situ surface functionalization with sodium dodecyl sulfate. This was conducted to investigate the impact of HAP on the reduction of interfacial tension at elevated temperatures and pressures under moderate salinity conditions. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy were utilized to confirm the synthesis of hydroxyapatite and to analyze the particle morphology. The findings resulted in the synthesis of HAP in multiple forms. The XRD measurement confirmed that the synthesized compound was pure hydroxyapatite (HAP). At a salinity of 50,000 ppm and a temperature of 80 °C, the HAP NFs effectively reduced the interfacial tension to 3.4 mN/m with an increase in HAP concentration of 0.09 wt.%. The contact angle decreased to 13.1° at a concentration of 20,000 ppm. The HAP NF is recommended for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations due to its effectiveness in reducing oil loss attributed to interfacial tension, modifying sandstone wettability, and improving oil recovery by 6% of the original oil in place following water flooding.