Nanotechnology in Enhanced oil Recovery: A Review of Current Research

Nowadays, nanotechnology has emerged as one of the revolutionary approaches in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), having a high capability for solving many of the challenges related to conventional methods. This technology applies nanoparticles to achieve higher recovery through various mechanisms, which include the alteration of wettability, reduction of interfacial tension, and stabilization of emulsion. These different nanomaterials include silica, metal oxides, and carbon-based nanomaterials, which showed great improvement in oil displacement and recovery rates both at laboratory experiments and in field trials. However, there are some problems of nanofluids' stability, economic feasibility, and environmental safety that have to be overcome. This reminds one that the current trend in research is focused on hybrid, biodegradable nanoparticles, integrated nanotechnology with low-salinity water flooding, and smart nanomaterials responsive to reservoir conditions. In essence, since this is a field in continuous evolution, the accomplishment of full potential regarding nanotechnology application for efficient and sustainable oil recovery practices calls for unending research and collaboration.