Influence of Gemini Surfactant with Modified TiO₂ Nanoparticles on the Interfacial Tension of Oil/Water

Abstract

The research on the impacts of modified TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) on interfacial tension (IFT) is in its infancy. Our work focuses on the IFT of the modified TiO₂ and Gemini surfactant N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-N,N′-dimyristyl-1,2-ethane diammonium dichlone (YND1233) complex solutions for reservoir stimulation purposes. The factors of YND1233, modified TiO₂ NPs, temperature, aging stability, adsorption loss, and mineralized degree were explored with the comparison of unmodified TiO₂ NPs and YND1233 as contrast samples. The results indicate that the dynamic IFTs decrease and then increase with the concentrations of YND1233 and modified TiO₂ NPs, and the minimum IFT appears at 0.200 and 0.010 wt%, respectively. YND1233/modified TiO₂ complex solutions show lower and more stable IFTs, better temperature resistance, longer aging time, and lower adsorption on the surface of quartz sand. The modified TiO₂ NPs and YND1233 in the YND1233/modified TiO₂ complex solution can be adsorbed to the interface and decrease the IFTs through synergistic effect. A mixed diffusion-kinetic mechanism is provided for the adsorption and interactions with Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ involved in YND1233/modified TiO₂ complex solution.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Interfacial tension
• surface modification
• surfactant
• TiO₂ nanoparticle