Review on principles, influence and applications of nanomaterials in enhancing oil recovery

In recent years, nanomaterials have shown great potential in the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process due to their superior properties. In this work, the application of nanomaterials in EOR is reviewed and classified into various categories based on their dimensionality, ranging from zero-dimensional, one-dimensional to two-dimensional nanostructures. The EOR mechanisms related to nanofluids are thoroughly discussed. Key factors contributing to the effectiveness of nanomaterials in EOR include the enhancement of structural separation pressure, the reduction of interfacial tension, and the modification of wettability properties. In addition, the review analyzes the effects of different factors on the stability of nanomaterials and their effectiveness in EOR. Researches show that the stability and performance of nanofluids used in EOR are significantly influenced by the size and concentration of nanomaterials. Generally, smaller particle sizes and higher concentrations result in more effective oil recovery. Furthermore, the review summarizes the challenges and opportunities of the EOR process with nanomaterials, pointing out that the cost is the first issue to be solved in applying nanomaterials to EOR. Although expanding nanofluids from laboratory to oilfield applications faces many challenges, nanomaterials can still be a significant candidate for future EOR techniques.