Functionalized Ti3C2T x MXene Nanosheets for Increased Emulsion Viscosity and Enhanced Heavy Oil Recovery

Heavy oil extraction is a challenging and energy-intensive process. Herein, Ti3AlC2 was etched to obtain nanosheet layer Ti3C2Tx MXene, which was then carboxylated and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-grafted to obtain Ti3C2Tx-COOH-g-PEG to increase viscosity for stabilizing SDBS emulsions. Morphological analysis confirmed the formation of a nanosheet layer structure, and structural analysis confirmed PEG grafting (21.50%). Crossover emulsification experiments demonstrated that Ti3C2Tx-COOH-g-PEG at 0.3 mg/mL exhibited excellent resistance to mineralization, high temperatures, and elevated pH levels. Ti3C2Tx-COOH-g-PEG improved the surfactant solubility under high mineralization conditions and reduced solution corrosiveness. Emulsion displacement tests proved the effectiveness of Ti3C2Tx-COOH-g-PEG in enhancing the heavy oil recovery by 25.07%. Therefore, Ti3C2Tx-COOH-g-PEG is an ideal emulsion stabilizer, offering substantial improvements in emulsification for enhancing oil recovery.