Innovative Role of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles and Surfactant in Optimizing Interfacial Tension for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Youssef E. Kandiel, Gamal Attia, Farouk Metwalli, Rafik Khalaf and Omar Mahmoud ()
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Youssef E. Kandiel: Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Future University in Egypt (FUE), Cairo 11835, Egypt
Gamal Attia: Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
Farouk Metwalli: Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
Rafik Khalaf: Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
Omar Mahmoud: Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Future University in Egypt (FUE), Cairo 11835, Egypt

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-14

Abstract: Enhancing oil recovery efficiency is vital in the energy industry. This study investigates magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles combined with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactants to reduce interfacial tension (IFT) and improve oil recovery. Pendant drop method measurements revealed a 70% IFT reduction, significantly improving nanoparticle dispersion stability due to SDS. Alterations in Zeta Potential and viscosity, indicating enhanced colloidal stability under reservoir conditions, were key findings. These results suggest that the MgO-SDS system offers a promising and sustainable alternative to conventional methods, although challenges such as scaling up and managing nanoparticle–surfactant dynamics remain. The preparation of MgO nanofluids involved magnetic stirring and ultrasonic homogenization to ensure thorough mixing. Characterization techniques included density, viscosity, pH, Zeta Potential, electric conductivity, and electrophoretic mobility assessments for the nanofluid and surfactant–nanofluid systems. Paraffin oil was used as the oil phase, with MgO nanoparticle concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.5 wt% and a constant SDS concentration of 0.5 wt%. IFT reduction was significant, from 47.9 to 26.9 mN/m with 0.1 wt% MgO nanofluid. Even 0.01 wt% MgO nanoparticles reduced the IFT to 41.8 mN/m. Combining MgO nanoparticles with SDS achieved up to 70% IFT reduction, enhancing oil mobility. Changes in Zeta Potential (from −2.54 to 3.45 mV) and pH (from 8.4 to 10.8) indicated improved MgO nanoparticle dispersion and stability, further boosting oil displacement efficiency under experimental conditions. The MgO-SDS system shows promise as a cleaner, cost-effective Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) method. However, challenges such as nanoparticle stability under diverse conditions, surfactant adsorption management, and scaling up require further research, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and rigorous field studies.

Keywords: MgO nanoparticles; interfacial tension reduction; enhanced oil recovery; sustainable nanotechnology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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