We describe the use of halloysite nanotubes (HNT) in energy and environmental applications related to enhanced oil recovery, oil spill remediation and advanced catalytic processing. In oil recovery and oil spill remediation, HNTs are used to deliver surfactants to the oil-water interface. Key aspects of this technology include the ability to sequester the surfactant in the lumen of the HNT and release the surfactant only in contact with oil. This is accomplished using the novel concept of sealing the ends of the lumen with essentially two dimensional enivonmentally benign metal organic frameworks, or thin wax layers that dissolve upon contact with oil. The technology leads to mitigation of surfactant loss. Additional aspects include the use of hydrophobically modified biopolymers to enhance the colloidal stability of such systems. We also address the use of HNT together with zeolites in the catalytic upgrading of biomass and in the development of new catalyst morphologies.

Tubular clay nanostructures in new energy and environmental applications

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.