Polymeric graphene oxide (GO) dispersions for improved carbon capture and utilization in oil recovery

Abstract

This work aims to explore the use of stable graphene oxide (GO) dispersions for enhanced carbon capture and oil recovery. The objective of the study was to explore novel GO dispersions for effective carbon utilization. Initially, the GO particles were synthesized via the modified Hummers method and dispersed in a 1000 ppm PAM solution. These solutions (0.1 and 0.3 wt% GO) were observed visually and using a particle size analyzer in which they did not show any instability of agglomeration for 28 days. Given their superior stability, the GO dispersions were then used for CO₂ solvation in which the amount of CO₂ solvated in the solution (molality) was ascertained using the well-established pressure depletion method. Increasing temperature was found to reduce the CO₂ uptake while increasing pressure and GO concentration increased CO₂ uptake. The GO dispersions were also able to resist CO₂ escape from the system for over 200 h. Finally, the carbonated GO dispersions were used for EOR and were able to mobilize up to 61% of original oil in place (OOIP) from a sand-pack. The presented approach has potential for the development of a highly efficient CO₂-based enhanced oil recovery method for sandstone reservoirs.

Keywords:

• Carbon capture
• carbonated water injection
• enhanced oil recovery
• graphene oxide
• sandstones

Acknowledgments

We, most humbly, thank Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais for their encouragement and support that has made this work possible. We would also like to acknowledge Department of Basic Sciences & Humanities, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais for the help with the synthesis of Graphene Oxide (GO) particles.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest to declare.