Tunable pH-responsive HMSNs-g-PDEAEMA as integrated corrosion inhibition and emulsification multi-functional nanocontainer

Abstract

Responsive nanocontainers have dual functions in targeted delivery of corrosion inhibitors and emulsion development of shale oil in oil and gas fields, exhibiting potential for simultaneously achieving metal protection and efficient oil and gas development from a material perspective. Here, we propose the preparation of a pH-responsive nanocontainer, HMSNs-g-PDEAEMA (poly [2-(N, N-diethyl amino)-ethyl-methacrylate] (PDEAEMA) grafted onto hollow mesoporous spherical silica (HMSNs)), to integrate the delivery of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT)) for targeted corrosion inhibition and the emulsification of oil as Pickering emulsifiers. Under acidic conditions (reduced pH value caused by localized corrosion or high concentration acidic gases), PDEAEMA chains are protonated and extended by electrostatic repulsion, exposing pores on HMSNs surface and allowing the controlled release of loaded MBT molecules. Once transforming into a neutral or alkaline environment, the responsive release of the MBT process is inhibited. After the fluid passes through the wellbore and enters the shale layer, the HMSNs-g-PDEAEMA nanocontainers act as Pickering emulsifiers to achieve emulsification. The emulsified oil can be extracted onto the ground more efficiently, and a following pH-responsive demulsification process can be achieved. Overall, through a pH-responsive nanocontainer material, the dual function of corrosion inhibition and emulsification in oil and gas development is possible to be simultaneously achieved.