CPG
The Colloids & Interface Science targets to utilize nanoparticles to contribute to upstream applications

Program Mission & Vision

The Colloids & Interface Science (CIS) program focuses on the interfacial sciences in the multiphase systems involving colloidal materials. CIS aims to develop functional colloidal nanoparticles that can tune the interfacial properties of gas-liquid, liquid-liquid and liquid-solid and understand the underlying mechanisms of particles' behaviors on the interfaces. Through the combination of theory and experiments from the nanoscale to the macroscale, we carry out basic researches targeting several upstream challenges, including oil field sensing, enhanced oil recovery, foam and emulsion stabilization, CO2 geological sequestration, etc. Three subtopics will be focused:

  • Functionalized nanoparticles: synthesis, modification, and stable colloids in HTHP
  • Novel fluorescent nanoparticles for ultra-sensitive sensing and tracing in reservoir condition.
  • Surface-active nanoparticles for wettability alternation at oil-water-rock interfaces.
  • Optical visualization of nanoparticle-loaded interfaces
  • Nanoscopic imaging of oil detachment enhanced by nanoparticles.
  • Microfluidic imaging of foams, emulsions and scCO2 stabilized by nanoparticles.
  • Optical imaging and mapping of luminescent nanoparticles in oil, core, and micromodel.
  • Micro/nano CT visualization of multiphase flows.
  • Dynamic interaction between gas-liquid-solid interfaces and nanoparticles
  • Diffusion and diffusiophoresis of nanoparticles around and across the interfaces.
  • Effects of nanoparticles on oil displacement and CO2 trapping efficiencies in cores and micromodels.

With these endeavors, we anticipate providing cutting-edge output from material sciences, fundamental physics, and practical upstream applications, which facilitates energy security and sustainability goals in Saudi Arabia.

Program Outcomes

  • New, novel functional (fluorescent and magnetic) nanomaterials and their physical properties.
  • Developing imaging techniques to visualize nanoparticles, foams, emulsions or multiphase flows in oil, cores or other porous media in nano-, micro- and macro-scale.
  • Developing techniques and methodologies for fundamental studies and evaluations of chemical EOR, nanoparticles EOR and sc-CO2 EOR in carbonate cores, and applying these techniques to carbonate reservoirs in Saudi Arabia.

Program Mission & Vision

The Colloids & Interface Science (CIS) program focuses on the interfacial sciences in the multiphase systems involving colloidal materials. CIS aims to develop functional colloidal nanoparticles that can tune the interfacial properties of gas-liquid, liquid-liquid and liquid-solid and understand the underlying mechanisms of particles' behaviors on the interfaces. Through the combination of theory and experiments from the nanoscale to the macroscale, we carry out basic researches targeting several upstream challenges, including oil field sensing, enhanced oil recovery, foam and emulsion stabilization, CO2 geological sequestration, etc. Three subtopics will be focused:

  • Functionalized nanoparticles: synthesis, modification, and stable colloids in HTHP
  • Novel fluorescent nanoparticles for ultra-sensitive sensing and tracing in reservoir condition.
  • Surface-active nanoparticles for wettability alternation at oil-water-rock interfaces.
  • Optical visualization of nanoparticle-loaded interfaces
  • Nanoscopic imaging of oil detachment enhanced by nanoparticles.
  • Microfluidic imaging of foams, emulsions and scCO2 stabilized by nanoparticles.
  • Optical imaging and mapping of luminescent nanoparticles in oil, core, and micromodel.
  • Micro/nano CT visualization of multiphase flows.
  • Dynamic interaction between gas-liquid-solid interfaces and nanoparticles
  • Diffusion and diffusiophoresis of nanoparticles around and across the interfaces.
  • Effects of nanoparticles on oil displacement and CO2 trapping efficiencies in cores and micromodels.

With these endeavors, we anticipate providing cutting-edge output from material sciences, fundamental physics, and practical upstream applications, which facilitates energy security and sustainability goals in Saudi Arabia.

Program Outcomes

  • New, novel functional (fluorescent and magnetic) nanomaterials and their physical properties.
  • Developing imaging techniques to visualize nanoparticles, foams, emulsions or multiphase flows in oil, cores or other porous media in nano-, micro- and macro-scale.
  • Developing techniques and methodologies for fundamental studies and evaluations of chemical EOR, nanoparticles EOR and sc-CO2 EOR in carbonate cores, and applying these techniques to carbonate reservoirs in Saudi Arabia.
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