Nano-surface Functionality of Zinc Ferrite: Ascorbic Acid Nanofluid Application in Enhanced Oil Recovery

Background: The compromising effect of reservoir’s compositions on the acceleration of oil towards the production center during recovery efforts in both primary and secondary applications prelude the application of nanofluid in the oil industry. Objective: This study explores the efficacy of Ascorbic acid on the surface of Zinc Ferrite nanoparticles in interfacial tension (IFT) and wettability modification. Methods: The use of co-precipitation method for the synthesis of Zinc Ferrite nanoparticles (ZNP) was successful at varying temperatures. Consequently, ascorbic acid NPs were coated on ZNP and their brine based nanofluid was prepared. Results: The effects of calcination temperature on the morphology, structure and the crystallinity size were investigated. In concentration influence determination, wettability alteration (W.A) was the most affected mobility factor at 0.15M. However, at 0.25M higher concentration, the IFT, W.A and nanofluid’s stability were relatively improved significantly. Conclusions: This research enhances our understanding of the ascorbic acid effect on ZNP and the fascinating impact of their combined usage as an enhanced oil recovery agents. Ascorbic acid improved the efficiency of the coated ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles on IFT and contact angle.