Mechanism of Hydrogen Bonding at Oil–Water Interfaces on Crude Oil Migration Under Nanoconfinement

Aiming at the unclear mechanisms of fluid migration in nanopore-throat systems within tight oil reservoirs, this study focuses on the microscopic interactions at the oil–water interface in nanoconfined spaces. Based on molecular dynamics simulation, water-flooding models within nanopores of tight oil reservoirs under varying salinity conditions were constructed. The microscopic flow behaviors of oil and water in the pores were investigated, and the mechanism by which interfacial hydrogen bonding influences displacement efficiency under nanoconfinement was elucidated. The results demonstrate that due to the strong hydrogen bonding interactions between acetic acid and water, it is impossible to establish an effective displacement process or form stable displacement pathways within the pores. The extensive hydrogen-bonding network formed by acetic acid molecules at the oil–water interface severely restricts the transport capacity of water. Salinity exerts a nonlinear regulatory effect on hydrogen bonding. High-salinity (246.5 g/L) waterflooding shortens hydrogen bond lengths, enhances local bonding strength, and restricts the expansion of water channels; low-salinity (21.9 g/L) waterflooding mitigates ionic interference, resulting in the highest diffusion capacity of alkanes. The diffusion coefficient increases by 1.4 times compared to that under high-salinity conditions, leading to the highest degree of crude oil mobility. The research findings provide important guidance for enhanced oil recovery in tight oil reservoirs.