Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Antimicrobial Resistance Research with Innovative Approaches and Synthetic Compounds
Published on: September 27, 2024
Recent Advances in the Utilization of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids for Chemical-Enhanced Oil Recovery: A
Noran Mousa1, Basim Abu-Jdayil1, Abdulrazag Y Zekri1
1Chemical & Petroleum Engineering Department, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, 15551, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract:
The increasing global energy demand and the declining efficiency of conventional oil recovery methods underscore the urgency for advanced enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques. While chemical EOR enhances recovery, traditional surfactants face limitations such as high retention, thermal instability, and poor performance in high-salinity environments. Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as a promising alternative due to their superior thermal stability, tunable interfacial properties, and potential for recyclability. This review evaluates their role in EOR, focusing on interfacial tension (IFT) reduction, wettability alteration, emulsification, viscosity control, and crude oil interactions. Long-chain ILs like [C16mim][Br] achieve over 99.8% IFT reduction while improving rock wettability and dispersing asphaltenes-key for enhancing oil mobility and recovery. In addition to technical performance, the review addresses the economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of ILs. Despite higher initial costs, their advancement in synthesis, lower consumption rates, reusability, and reduced ecological impact offer long-term advantages over conventional surfactants. Future directions include hybrid IL formulations, large-scale applications, and AI-assisted molecular design to optimize EOR efficiency across varied reservoir conditions.
More Related Videos
06:44From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding
Published on: March 24, 2018
06:31Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,6-Ketoesters Mediated by Ionic Liquids: A Three-component Reaction Enabling Rapid Access to a New Class of Low Molecular Weight Gelators
Published on: November 27, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Ion-Exchange Chromatography
Basicity of Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines
Chemical Ionization (CI) Mass Spectrometry
Extraction: Advanced Methods
Ion Exchange
Carboxylic Acids to Methylesters: Alkylation using Diazomethane