Programmable nano-hydrogels for flow control in porous media

We study the effect of injection of programmable nano-hydrogels on the dynamic of the flow through the 3D micromodel porous medium. We develop a core-shell nano-hydrogel with programmable swelling behavior. Using confocal microscopy, we visualize flow in a 3D micromodel before and after injection of the nano-hydrogels. After injection of the suspension of nano-hydrogels, the shells degrade and nano-hydrogels swell up to 6 times. Hence, by injection of a small amount of the suspension, the resistance of the medium increases up to 80% resulting in significant changes in the flow paths and diversion of the flow towards unexplored regions. These nano-hydrogels show great promise for application in enhanced oil recovery.