Adopting molecular dynamic simulations, the displacing behavior of the adsorbed oil on silica surface by CO2 at different temperatures (303 K, 323 K, 343 K, 363 K and 383 K) were studied. The density profile, tortuosity distribution, diffusion coefficient and radial distribution functions were chosen to characterize the microscopic detachment process, and two distinct displacement modes of the adsorbed oil, layer-by layer and entire detachment, were identified at different temperatures. In addition, at temperature 343 K, the highest diffusion capability of the adsorbed oil was found to be responsible for a best detachment performance. Our work provided a molecular-level understanding of oil detachment behavior in CO2 flooding at different temperatures, and the results have some promise for enhancing oil recovery in CO2 displacing engineering. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.