Graphene Oxide Hybrids in Enhanced Oil Recovery: Colloidal Stability and Functional Mechanisms

Purpose: Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile nanomaterial characterized by high surface activity, tunable chemical functionalities, and remarkable interfacial behavior. However, its actual application in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) is constrained by instability in high salinity and temperature conditions. This study seeks to describe the achievements critically in the functionalization and hybridization of graphene oxide (GO), emphasizing how these alterations improve its colloidal, interfacial, and rheological performance in reservoir-relevant conditions. Results: Recent research indicates that surface modification, polymer grafting, magnetic coupling, and amphiphilic structuring of GO significantly enhance its physicochemical stability and EOR efficiency. Functionalized GO systems demonstrate superior dispersion, electro-steric resistance, and greater wettability modification. In contrast, hybrid nanofluids, including polymeric, magnetic, and Janus-type GO, display synergistic benefits in reducing interfacial tension and regulating flow. The review brings together proof that using electrostatic, steric, and magnetothermal mechanisms together can get around the problems of double-layer compression and aggregation that often happen in saline conditions. Methods: This study comprehensively evaluates experimental and modeling studies utilizing zeta potential, Turbiscan analysis, rheological testing, and interfacial measurements to determine the stability and performance of graphene oxide (GO). A comparative examination of several papers facilitates the identification of persistent mechanistic trends and knowledge deficiencies for the design of stable nanofluid systems for EOR. Conclusion: Hybridization is the main way to make GO-based nanofluids that can handle heat and ions. By combining polymeric, magnetic, and amphiphilic features, researchers may make colloids stable for a long time, change the properties of the interface, and make oil recovery procedures more energy efficient. The cumulative results of this research underscore the necessity for ongoing investigation into synergistic microwave-thermal, dielectric-interfacial, and ionic coupling processes to enhance next-generation nanofluid formulations for sustainable enhanced oil recovery technologies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Graphene oxide (GO) ، Hybrid nanofluids ، Colloidal stability ، Interfacial tension ، Rheology ، EOR