The study explores the potential of carbohydrate nanoparticles to enhance the stability of CO2 foams in deep saline aquifer conditions, which are characterized by high pressure, temperature, and salinity. The research compares the effectiveness of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), modified cellulose nanocrystals, and chitin nanocrystals (ChNC) in stabilizing CO2 foams for carbon sequestration. Additionally, the impact of the polyelectrolyte poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid-co-acrylic acid) was also examined. Nanoparticles, due to their rigidity and high detachment energy, provide superior foam stability compared to conventional surfactants, which primarily lower surface tension. Experimental results showed that foams stabilized by these nanoparticles retained their structure for up to 24 hours, even under the challenging conditions of a reservoir. To further assess the efficiency of the nanoparticles, foam transport experiments were conducted by pumping stable foams through rock cores, measuring nanoparticle retention and foam transport efficiency. Analytical techniques, such as total organic carbon/nitrogen (TOC/TN) analysis, were used to measure nanoparticle retention and evaluate their role in CO2 trapping. The results underscore the critical importance of nanoparticle transport in enhancing CO2 sequestration potential. Overall, the study suggests that these carbohydrate nanoparticles could significantly improve CO2 trapping efficiency, providing a sustainable approach for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. These findings contribute valuable insights into the application of nanoparticle-stabilized foams in advancing carbon capture technologies for deep saline aquifers.
