Hydrophobic mesoporous silicon dioxide for improving foam stability

Abstract

In this study, mesoporous SiO₂ nanoparticles (MSNs) were synthesized via a sol–gel method and modified with (3-chloropropyl) trimethoxysilane to make them hydrophobic (MMSNs). The material was characterized via SEM, TEM, FT-IR, DLS, BET and contact angle measurements. The MMSNs have good foam stability, so that the foam properties of the added particles have been increased by 38.4% in an oil/SDS solution. Simultaneously, it becomes a promising material for foam stabilization in order to enhance the oil recovery because it is bio-compatibile and environment friendly. Also, it provides a novel application-stable foam for mesoporous materials.