Journal of Nanosciences: Current Research

Quartz dust exposure in the workplace is linked to fatal diseases. A wide range of micrometric to nanometric particles characterize mechanically fractured quartz dust. Due to the strong electrostatic adhesion forces that prevent the nanofraction from being isolated, little is known about how this nanometric fraction affects quartz's overall toxicity. Additionally, fractured silica dust has unique surface characteristics, such as nearly free silanols (NFS), which give quartz a membranolytic activity. Bottom-up methods can be used to make nanoquartz, but the surface chemistry of these crystals is very different from that of fracturing-produced nanoparticles. We present a top-down milling method for producing nanometric quartz with the same toxic surface properties as fractured quartz. By combining the dry and wet stages of ball milling, dispersing the material with water and varying the milling times and rotational speeds, the process was made more efficient. It was possible to obtain nanoquartz with a strong propensity to aggregate into sub micrometric sizes. Surfactants or simulated body fluids had no effect on the deagglomeration. A bimodal crystallite domain size and partial lattice amorphization were observed. Coherence with previous toxicological data was indicated by a moderate membranolytic activity that was correlated with the number of NFS. It was possible to obtain a membranolytic nanoquartz for use in toxicological studies.

By designing new materials based on their surface modifier with a variety of functional properties and applications, surface engineering of nanoparticles has helped advance nanoscience and nanotechnology. If an ionic surfactant alters their surface, dispersed nanoparticles can alter the interfacial properties of a liquid-liquid system in the aqueous phase. Ions and the nanoparticle-brine system's interfacial energy have a tendency to alter pore channel transport and enhance recovery. Some advantages of using particles suspended at Nano scales include the ability to easily counterbalance gravity's force with induced sedimentation stability. Their Nano size, nanostructure, high volume-to-surface ratio, and strong rock fluid interaction all contributed to this. Additionally, it alters the surface characteristics of surfactant and polymer within the rock in a porous medium and affects the stability of the emulsion. Due to their potential response to reduce the interfacial tension at low to ultra-low levels, wettability reversal, and improvement in formation fluid rheology, nanoscience applications have solved some of the issues with conventional EOR processes. Nanoparticles' large specific surface area, high reactivity, toughness, and other characteristics can significantly enhance oil mobility in comparison to conventional EOR. In relation to silica and titanium dioxide nanoparticles in various environments within surfactant(s), polymer(s), and polymer-surfactant EOR processes, the most recent review, experimental evidence, and reinterpretation of previous research data and applications are updated in this paper.