Gemini
ionic liquids (ILs) are usually known to have significant
surfactant behavior. Nanomaterials, on the other hand, are capable
of improving interface properties. The current study explores the
use of a novel nano gemini imidazolium IL with a molecular structure
of a four methylene group spacer for reducing crude oil/water interfacial
tension (IFT). The gemini IL was prepared purely by a two-step synthesis
method and characterized in different ways. Results revealed that
IFT was drastically decreased to 97.8% in the presence of the IL and
more decrease was achieved with temperature and pH variations. The
high performance of the IL can be attributed to the strong IL amphiphilic
nature. The salt effects in the presence of the IL were evaluated
with NaCl, MgCl2, and their mixture. Results revealed more
IFT reduction under salinity conditions because of a remarkable found
synergism effect, unlike conventional surfactants. The findings encourage
the use of seawater IL solutions in chemical enhanced oil recovery.
The obtained salt-free IFT data were precisely reproduced with the
well-known Frumkin adsorption isotherm, and the corresponding thermodynamic
parameters were obtained at different temperatures. From thermodynamic
results, a spontaneous IL adsorption was deduced.
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