Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Nanoparticle Collaborating to Stabilize Carbon Dioxide Foam

Fan Li; Yonghang Zhao

doi:10.6919/ICJE.202603_12(3).0041

Authors

Fan Li
Yonghang Zhao

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6919/ICJE.202603_12(3).0041

Keywords:

Carbon Dioxide Foam; Nanoparticles; Surfactants; Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

Abstract

CO₂ foam fracturing has been widely adopted in unconventional oil and gas exploration and development due to its low water consumption and effective reservoir enhancement. To investigate the impact of acidic environments caused by CO₂ dissolution on foam stability, this study selected two common surfactants: Octadearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (OTAC), α-olefin sulfonic acid (AOS), and nano-silica SiO₂ particle. Using Materials Studio software to construct a foam liquid film model, this study investigates the compatibility and foam stabilization effects of cationic and anionic surfactants with nano-SiO₂ particles by comparing the diffusion behavior of water molecules in neutral versus acidic environments across different systems. Revealing the Mechanism of Acidic Environment on Synergistic Effect at Molecular Level. These findings provide theoretical foundations for optimizing CO₂ foam fracturing fluid formulations.

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