Mechanistic Insights into Nanoparticle-Modified Polymer Flooding for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Hongbin Yang ^1,2, Yubin Zhang ^1,2, Jingjing Shen ³

⁰State Key Laboratory of Deep Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, P. R. China.

Langmuir : the Acs Journal of Surfaces and Colloids +

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August 11, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Nanosilica-modified polymer flooding significantly boosts oil recovery by improving sweep efficiency. This study reveals its mechanism involves interfacial tension reduction, emulsification, and wettability alteration for enhanced oil mobilization.

Area Of Science

Petroleum Engineering
Materials Science
Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Background

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is crucial for maximizing hydrocarbon extraction.
Nanosilica-modified polymers (MNPs) show promise for EOR but their microscopic mechanisms require detailed understanding.

Purpose Of The Study

To elucidate the oil displacement mechanisms of synthesized nanosilica-modified polymer (MNSP).
To evaluate the efficiency of MNSP in mobilizing residual crude oil.

Main Methods

Core flooding experiments were conducted to assess oil displacement efficiency.
Microscopic visualization in etched models provided insights into mobilization mechanisms.
Interfacial tension, emulsification efficiency, and wettability alteration were analyzed.

Main Results

MNSP achieved a high recovery ratio of 91.60%.
Crude oil utilization was highest in large pores (65.00%), followed by medium (25.78%) and small pores (9.22%).
The mechanism involves a synergistic network structure reducing interfacial tension, wettability reversal, and enhanced emulsion formation.

Conclusions

MNSP effectively mobilizes residual oil through a multi-faceted mechanism.
Nanosilica plays a key role in interfacial tension reduction and wettability alteration.
This research provides a theoretical basis for developing advanced polymer flooding agents.