Synthesis and Applications of Tri-Quaternary Ammonium Salt Gemini Surfactant

A new type of tri-quaternary ammonium salt Gemini surfactant was synthesized, and the structure of the compound was confirmed by using the infrared spectrum. Its critical micelle concentration was 8.3 X 10-5 mol/L, 2 to 3 orders of magnitude lower than common single-chain surfactants, and the minimum surface tension was 15.46 mN/m. The interfacial tension between pure tri-quaternary ammonium salt solution and the simulated oil was down to 10-2 mN/m, 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower than conventional surfactants. There exists good synergistic effect between tri-quaternary ammonium salt and a-olefin sulfonate. The tri-quaternary ammonium salt and its compound systems can effectively reduce injection pressure and enhance oil recovery for low permeability cores.