Green synthesis of ZnO/SiO₂ nanocomposite from pomegranate seed extract: Coating by natural xanthan polymer and its characterisations

This work presents a simple, economical and, importantly, green process to develop a nanocomposite (NC) that covers the functions of surfactant and polymer flooding in enhancing oil recovery (EOR). Thus, xanthan coated ZnO/SiO₂ NC was prepared using the extract of the pomegranate seeds as a reducing and stabilising agent. The green synthesised NC was identified using the scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy, elemental mapping, X-ray diffraction, and UV-vis analytical techniques. ZnO/SiO₂/Xanthan NC was then dispersed in low-salinity water (1:20 diluted seawater) at different concentrations, and high suspension stability of NC was observed at different periods of time. This investigation provides a novel and green pathway for preparing nano-EOR fluids.