One-Step Synthesis and Functionalization of High-Salinity-TolerantMagnetite Nanoparticles with Sulfonated Phenolic Resin

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles are being actively developed for various applications in oil fields. A key requirement for such nanoparticles is the long-term stability of their dispersion under harsh subsurface conditions such as high salinity and high temperature. In this study, through functionalization of the surface of the magnetite nanoparticles with a sulfonated phenolic resin, stable dispersions of the nanoparticles in 5 wt % NaCl solution at neutral to basic pH were achieved. Sulfonated phenolic resin is aromatic in nature and can endure high temperatures; moreover, the strongly anionic sulfonate groups facilitate sufficient electrostatic repulsion between the particles even in a highly saline environment. Sulfonated phenolic resin was synthesized by heating a mixture of 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid and formaldehyde at 1:1 molar ratio. Then, by synthesizing magnetite nanoparticles by a co-precipitation process in a solution of sulfonated phenolic resin, one-pot synthesis/surface functionalizatio...