Abstract
In petroleum industry, it is of essential importance to better understand the interface systems between the crude oil and underground fluid [1,2]. Stable water-in-oil emulsion forms during the oil production, which must be resolved to fit the specified product quality. Asphaltenes and resins in the crude oil are known as major components to stabilize the emulsions. The aggregation status of asphaltene molecules at oil-water interface is, therefore, one of most important interfacial properties being investigated [1]. Very recently, we have investigated the interfacial behavior of asphaltene molecules at the oil-water interface by using molecular dynamics simulations. The interfacial tension and the “interfacial” mechanical properties of oil-water interface were particularly emphasized in our study. Since CO2 gas is being considered as one of the most effective method for enhanced oil recovery, we will also present some of our recent work on how the existence of the exotic CO2 will modify the interfacial structure of the interface being considered.
