Synthesis and Evaluation of New Anionic Gemini Dispersants as Oil Dispersants to Treat Crude Oil Spill Pollution

Floating petroleum oil spills on the marine ecosystem are generally associated with an escalation of serious environmental problems. This research aimed to synthesis five water-soluble anionic Gemini dispersants to minimize the effect of floating petroleum oil spills on the marine ecosystem. Referring to the spacer type, these dispersant are classified into two categories: the first category is the three acyl amine Gemini dispersants of N,N′- diacyl, (distearoyl-, dipalmitoy-, and dimyristoyl-) N,N-′ sodium 2-hydroxy 3-propane sulfonate propane 1,3 diamine, denoted S, P, and M, and the second category is two alkyl amine Gemini dispersants of N,N′dialkyl -(dicetyl-, and dilauryl-) N,N′-sodium 2-hydroxy 3-propane sulfonate propane 1,3 diamine, denoted C and L. Fourier transform infrared and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and elemental analysis were used to verify the chemical formula of the synthesized dispersants. The effectiveness of the synthesized dispersants was investigated as regards their dynamic interfacial tension, carbon–chain length, and hydrophilic–lipophilic balance. The dispersion efficiency of the synthesized dispersant was detected qualitatively and quantitatively using the screen test and Warren Spring Laboratory methods, respectively. Experimental outcomes showed that the maximum dispersion efficiency of 94.7 wt% was achieved by dispersant C at a dispersantoil ratio of 1:20 at 25°C.