Synergistic effects of silica aerogels and SDS nanofluids on CO2 sequestration and enhanced oil recovery

This study explores the combined application of hydrophobic silica aerogels and SDS to enhance CO 2 storage capacity and oil recovery. Experimental data highlighted a marked increase in CO 2 solubility within silica aerogel-SDS nanofluids compared to brine and SDS solutions. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed CO 2 adsorption into nanopores. Silica aerogel nanoparticles extended CO 2 foam half-life by 6 % versus 62 % decline for sole SDS foam from 30 to 140 °C. Adjusting the SDS to nanoparticle ratio affects foam properties, with a ratio of 1.5 yielding optimal results. Core flooding experiments demonstrated a 75 % rise in CO 2 trapping efficiency using the nanofluids over SDS solutions. Two-dimensional tests showed aerogel-SDS foam surpassed SDS foam flooding by 12 % incremental oil recovery in upper layers, attributed to enhanced profile control. The combined agents present an effective approach for geological CO 2 storage and EOR optimization.