oa Enhancing Carbon Storage Efficiency using Surfactants: Determining Surfactants and Optimizing their Concentration

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a vital means of combatting climate change, and the efficiency of CO2 injection directly affects project economics and capacity. This study investigates the potential of surfactants to enhance injection efficacy by reducing capillary pressure between CO2 and pore water. The evaluation focused on two non-ionic surfactants, and their critical micelle concentrations (CMC) were determined under ambient and reservoir conditions (40°C, 10 MPa). The established CMC was used to conduct interfacial tension and contact angle measurements within a Quartz-CO₂-Surfactant system at various pressures.

The study found that less surfactant is required for optimal performance under reservoir conditions compared to ambient conditions, suggesting that efficient interfacial modification can be achieved with reduced surfactant usage. All tested surfactants significantly lowered capillary pressure, although their effectiveness varied, highlighting the importance of selecting the right surfactant. This research offers valuable insights for the careful selection and optimization of surfactants in CCS projects. Improving CO2 injection efficiency can significantly enhance CCS operations, leading to a sustainable future.