Enhanced oil recovery using amphiphilic nanomaterials with tailored functionalities: a review

Amphiphilic nanoparticles, fabricated by surface modification of nanoparticles, have become pivotal in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), offering innovative solutions to the challenges posed by low-permeability reservoirs and extreme subsurface conditions. Despite their potential, a clear and cohesive understanding of the complex interactions among nanofluids, formation fluids, and rock matrices remains limited. This review provides a detailed examination of the mechanisms and benefits of amphiphilic nanoparticles for oil displacement, addressing their functionality from multiple perspectives. Key advancements in nanoparticle surface modification techniques are discussed, with an emphasis on their tailored properties for EOR. The utilization of homogeneous modified nanoparticles and amphiphilic Janus nanoparticles, particularly amphiphilic nanosheets, is highlighted for their superior interfacial activity, stability, and wettability alteration capabilities etc. Additionally, the review explores the constraints and challenges associated with designing nanoparticles for EOR, including scalability, environmental impact, and field application limitations. Prospects, such as the development of smart and responsive nanoparticles tailored for specific reservoir conditions, are also outlined. By integrating sustainable and efficient design principles, amphiphilic nanoparticles hold the promise to revolutionize oil recovery technologies, ensuring enhanced performance and reduced environmental impact.