Paper: Quantifying Oil–Rock Forces

Using atomic force microscopy probes functionalized with crude oil we measured the stickiness of petroleum to rock surfaces. Massive reserves of oil are currently unavailable to recovery, as the oil is trapped underground, sticking in rock pores and on rock surfaces. Our work will enable tailored oil recovery approaches that are more effective and efficient than current techniques. The idea is to flushing an oil reservoir with a tailored water injection solution holds promise for extracting valuable resources. Our technique will enable to systematically develop these tailored solutions.

Our paper detailing the development of this dried oil coated probe was published in ACS Energy & Fuels.

Press Release: Tapping into Energy Reserves

• Press Release: Tapping into Energy Reserves
• More about our interface science research
• All Publications of the Schniepp group