CuO/TiO2/PAM as a Novel Introduced Hybrid Agent for Water—Oil Interfacial Tension and Wettability Optimization in Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery

The main target of this research is the development of a novel nanocomposite consisting of copper(II) and titanium oxide nanoparticles and polyacrylamide (PAM) polymer for use as a hybrid agent beside other chemical factors in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. The optimization of interfacial tension (IFT) and wettability alteration, the most important issues in improving oil recovery, orient both the selection of the aforementioned materials and the presentation of a hybrid agent in chemical enhanced oil recovery (CEOR). This work focuses on the development of a simple, economical, and ecofriendly method for green synthesis of the CuO/TiO2/PAM nanocomposite to create a nanofluid that alters the oil-wetting state of carbonate and sandstone reservoirs into a water-wetting state, as well as reduces the water–oil IFT simultaneously. A green Cassytha filiformis L. fruit extract was used to synthesize the nanocomposite. The product underwent characterization tests, including the use of field-emission scann...