Tailoring of nanoparticles for chemical enhanced oil recovery activities: A review

Nanotechnology has found its way to petroleum engineering, as it is a well-accepted path in the oil and gas industry to recover more oil trapped in the reservoir. The challenge in nanotechnology in the oil and gas industry is full-scale field application, due to cost. A considerable research and development investment is needed for the implementation of the technology in formulating cheap, readily available and environmentally friendly nanoparticles. In this review, methods of synthesising the different types of nanoparticles is described, detailing the parameters involved in these techniques with the aim of tailoring their distinct properties such as; large surface area and ability to manipulate their behaviour for enhanced oil recovery. The difference between the natural and synthetic polymer nanoparticles and their various method of synthesis is discussed and their advantage in enhanced oil recovery is highlighted. The methods of synthesis can lower the interfacial adsorption of polymer with surface-active properties, prevent aggregation when the nanoparticle is subjected to flow, and prevent degradation. It can also form micelles and liposomes which can lower critical micelle concentration (CMC) and influence phase behaviour. The challenges encountered have opened new frontier for research and are also highlighted herein.