Functionalization
of γ‑Alumina and Magnesia Nanoparticles with a Fluorocarbon
Surfactant to Promote Ultra-Gas-Wet Surfaces: Experimental and Theoretical
Approach
posted on 2020-03-05, 14:05authored byJuan Pablo Villegas, Ivan Moncayo-Riascos, Dahiana Galeano-Caro, Masoud Riazi, Camilo A. Franco, Farid B. Cortés
A promising
alternative to improve the ultra-gas-wet alteration process by the
addition of nanoparticles was developed. This study is focused on
studying the functionalization process of nanoparticles of γ-alumina
(γ-Al2O3) and magnesia (MgO) using a commercial
fluorocarbon surfactant (SYLNYL-FSJ), from an experimental and theoretical
approach. Different fluorocarbon surfactant concentrations were used
in the functionalization process of the nanoparticles, and the materials
obtained were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The experimental setup
of the interaction between the surfactant and nanoparticles was reproduced
by molecular simulations in order to obtain physical insights into
the adsorption process. Experimental results show a suitable functionalization
for both nanoparticles with the fluorocarbon surfactant. The γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles showed better behavior based on
the obtained nonfrictional conditions, which lead the water and n-decane droplets to slide on the rock surface coated with
the functionalized nanoparticles. The experimental contact angles
on the functionalized γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles
were reproduced by molecular dynamics simulations. From the interaction
energies’ evaluation, it was also determined that alumina nanoparticles
could reduce the adhesive energy to 0.01 kcal mol–1, regarding magnesia nanoparticles. Also, a significant difference
was obtained for the surfactant–liquid interactions between
the two nanoparticles evaluated, with changes of 17% for surfactant–water
interactions and 28% for the surfactant–n-decane.
The obtained results explain the pronounced increase for the contact
angles of n-decane on the functionalized γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles.