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Study on the Process of Intermolecular Forces and Electrostatic Force Between Cations and Nano-SiO2 Based on
Houjun Tang1, Qiang Wang1, Zheng Zhu1
1Research Institute of Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum (Group) Co., Ltd., Xi'an 710065, China.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Researchers studied nano-silica (SiO2) particle interactions with cations in saline solutions. Divalent cations form ionic bonds with nano-SiO2, altering its structure and reducing stability, crucial for oil recovery applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Petroleum Engineering
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Low-permeability oil reservoirs have abundant resources but low recovery rates with conventional water flooding.
- Nano-silica (SiO2) particle aqueous solutions show promise for enhanced oil recovery in these reservoirs.
- Nano-SiO2 particle stability is compromised by aggregation and flocculation due to interactions with cations in formation water.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microscopic interactions between nano-SiO2 particles and cations in saline solutions.
- To understand how these interactions affect nano-SiO2 particle stability for improved application in low-permeability oilfields.
Main Methods:
- Employed molecular dynamics simulations to study nano-SiO2 particle-cation interactions.
- Utilized quantum chemical methods for a microscopic perspective on interaction processes.
- Analyzed the formation of bonds and dominant forces influencing particle configuration.
Main Results:
- Interaction zones for monovalent cations are 0.2-0.3 nm, and for divalent cations are 0.3-0.4 nm from the nano-SiO2 surface.
- Divalent cations form ionic bonds with nano-SiO2 particles, altering their structure and reducing stability.
- Electrostatic forces are dominant, while van der Waals and hydrogen bonding forces are weak interactions.
Conclusions:
- Increased cation valence (monovalent to divalent) leads to ionic bond formation and significant structural modification of nano-SiO2 particles.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing the use of nano-SiO2 in low-permeability oilfield applications.
- Findings provide insights into nano-SiO2 behavior in formation water, guiding enhanced oil recovery strategies.
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