This paper compares the adsorption of anionic and cationic surfactants
on carbonate minerals. It shows that, in general, cationic surfactant
s may exhibit significantly less adsorption on carbonate minerals than
that exhibited by anionic surfactants. It is also shown that cationic
surfactant adsorption on carbonates may be reduced dramatically by th
e presence of divalent cations, an environment in which the precipitat
ion of anionic surfactants might make their use impractical. It is rec
ommended that cationic surfactants be considered for use in miscible f
looding with CO2.