Interfacial tension reduction using nitrogen graphene quantum dots with various precursors, molar ratios, and synthesis durations for enhanced oil recovery.

Nanofluids have the capacity to reduce interfacial tension (IFT) of crude oil and water for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations, but traditional nanoparticles are limited in tight reservoirs due to their inappropriate size for micro-nano pores and their tendency to aggregate. In this paper, Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) with simple and favorable properties are developed, and their performance and mechanism for reducing IFT are evaluated. The paper also aims to explore the effects of GQD precursor type, synthesis duration, and molar percentages of precursors on reducing IFT.