Application of Naturally Derived Surfactant from Chickweek and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles for Improving Oil Recovery in a Carbonate Reservoir

Abstract

This study investigates the interfacial performance and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) potential of a naturally derived surfactant extracted from chickweed in combination with titanium dioxide nanoparticle under harsh reservoir conditions. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted to characterize the chemical structure, stability and interfacial activity of the formulated system using spectroscopic analyses, interfacial tension measurements, wettability evaluation and core flooding tests. Results demonstrate that the chickweed-derived surfactant exhibits strong amphiphilic characteristics and maintains compatibility with high-salinity formation brine and nanoparticles over prolonged ageing at elevated temperature. The hybrid formulation significantly reduced oil–water interfacial tension, shifted carbonate rock wettability toward a more water-wet state and improved microscopic displacement efficiency. Core flooding experiments confirmed a measurable incremental oil recovery compared with conventional waterflooding, highlighting the combined role of interfacial tension reduction, wettability alteration and improved dispersion stability. The findings suggest that chickweed-based surfactants, particularly when integrated with metal-oxide nanoparticles, represent a promising environmentally conscious alternative for chemical EOR applications in high-salinity carbonate reservoirs.