Adsorption of polar aromatic hydrocarbons on synthetic calcite

The wettability of hydrocarbon reservoirs depends on how and to what extent the organic compounds are adsorbed onto the surfaces of calcite, quartz and clay. A model system of synthetic calcite, cyclohexane and the three probe molecules: benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol and benzylamine, have been studied by adsorption experiments. The results clearly demonstrate the differences in the adsorption behaviour between probes with different functional groups of varying polarity and acidity. The maximum adsorption decreases in the order: benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol and benzylamine. The order of magnitude of ΔG° for the adsorption process implies the formation of a strong bond between the calcite surface and the adsorbate molecules.