Core-Shell Nanoemulsion Surfactant for Low-Energy Emulsification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microemulsion systems face challenges in achieving a low-cost, stable, and scalable production of nanoemulsions with a core-shell structure, small particle size, and narrow distribution, particularly in the petroleum industry, due to high energy requirements and poor stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A core-shell structured non-ionic nanoemulsion system is developed using a novel di(octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether)-substituted dicarboxylic acid diphenyl ether Gemini surfactant, which forms a spherical structure with droplets of 3-40 nm, allowing for low-energy preparation and improved stability, along with a simple synthesis method and industrial scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If high energy methods (high shear rate, high power ultrasonication) are used to prepare microemulsion, then droplet size is reduced to nano-scale, but production cost increases and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the surfactant system by introducing a Gemini surfactant with specific molecular structure (two hydrophilic heads connected by a spacer to two hydrophobic tails), which fundamentally alters the interfacial properties and enables low-energy nanoemulsion formation with enhanced stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite surfactant system combining Gemini surfactant properties (double-headed structure) with specific HLB values, creating a synergistic effect that achieves both nano-scale droplet size and long-term stability without high-energy input
2Reliability
If conventional aqueous surfactants are used in low energy processes, then production cost is reduced, but particle size increases and dispersibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the surfactant molecular structure parameter by using Gemini surfactants with characteristic spacing groups connecting two hydrophilic heads to two hydrophobic tails, enabling effective nanoemulsion formation through low-energy processes while maintaining small particle size and good dispersibility
3Reliability
If low energy processes are used to prepare microemulsion, then production cost is reduced, but droplet morphology control deteriorates and agglomeration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: Gemini surfactant concentration (0.5-5 wt%), oil phase ratio (1:4 to 1:10), and HLB value selection, which collectively enable excellent droplet morphology control and prevent agglomeration in low-energy preparation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cosurfactants with specific local properties (alcohols, esters, or ketones with 6-12 carbon atoms) that locally enhance interfacial stability and prevent agglomeration, while the Gemini surfactant provides overall structural organization
4Device complexity
If current process conditions are applied to low-energy reaction, then equipment requirement is reduced, but reaction control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and optimizes critical reaction parameters including temperature (25-80°C), pH (6-8), humidity control, feeding sequence (surfactant first, then oil phase, then cosurfactant), and stirring speed (300-1000 rpm), enabling precise control without complex equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies preliminary preparation steps: pre-dissolving Gemini surfactant in water to form clear solution, pre-mixing oil phase with cosurfactant, and maintaining specific environmental conditions before the actual emulsification process, which ensures reproducible results with simple equipment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves ultra-low interfacial tension and viscosity reduction, enabling effective application in low permeability and shale oil and gas exploitation, with improved stability and reduced production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the techniques of preparing microemulsion by low energy processes, including dilution, phase transition temperature and emulsification... Microemulsion particles or droplets are formed in a short time with the strong interfacial activities of surfactants
Implementation Method 2
both an ultra-low interfacial tension and the ability to reduce viscosity of crude oil
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a core-shell structured non-ionic nanoemulsion system and the preparation and use thereof. The system comprises a non-ionic gemini surfactant, an oil phase material, a solubilizer, and water; wherein the microemulsion has a core-shell structure, with the outer shell being the non-ionic Gemini surfactant, and the inner core being the oil phase material. The non-ionic Gemini surfactant is di(octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether)-substituted dicarboxylic acid diphenyl ether having the structural formula:The non-ionic nanoemulsion system of the present invention is homogeneous and transparent, and has a spherical core-shell structure with nanometer-sized (3-40 nm) droplets, narrow particle size distribution, low tendency to agglomerate, good stability, and both an ultra-low interfacial tension and the ability to reduce viscosity of crude oil.