Slow Release of Surfactant Using Silica Nanosized Capsules

Abstract

Summary Engineering and scaling-up nanocarriers for the controlled release of surfactant are imperative for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Herein, using silica-based nanosized porous capsules to slowly release surfactant in saline water is reported. The results indicate that the silica shell ensures the stability of the protected surfactants in the cores under harsh conditions. Almost negligible release was noticed in salt-free brine [deionized (DI) water]. In saline brine, the particles slowly released surfactant molecules. Forty-six percent of the total surfactant encapsulated was released after 12 days as quantified by the remaining organic content after mixing with brine. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirms the stability of the surfactant incorporated particles in saline water that contains 56 000 mg/L salts.