Effects of imidazolium- and ammonium-based ionic liquids on clay swelling: experimental and simulation approach

Abstract Water-based fracturing fluids without an inhibitor promote clay swelling, which eventually creates wellbore instability. Several ionic liquids (ILs) have been studied as swelling inhibitors in recent years. The cations of the ILs are crucial to inhibitory mechanisms that take place during hydraulic fracturing. Individual studies were carried out on several with various cations, most frequently found being ammonium and imidazolium cations. As a result, goal this study is compare these two find effective inhibitor. A comparison evaluation properties tetramethylammonium chloride (TMACl) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (EMIMCl) conducted work. Their results also compared conventional inhibitor, potassium (KCl), see performed better. linear test rheology used determine performance compounds. Zeta potential measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurements experimentally explain mechanisms. In addition, COSMO-RS simulation was processes provide support for experimental findings. findings revealed reduced by 23.40% 15.66%, respectively, after application TMACl EMIMCl. adsorption negatively charged surfaces, neutralizing charges, well lowering surface hydrophilicity, aided improvement inhibition performance.