IMPLEMENTATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PROCESSES

Abstract

This review article provides a comprehensive assessment of nanotechnology applications in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). The study examines major categories of nanoparticles (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, carbon-based materials, and hybrid nanoparticles) and analyzes their key mechanisms, including wettability alteration, interfacial tension reduction, structural disjoining pressure, and enhancement of heat transfer. Laboratory data and limited field trials indicate that nanoparticles can improve oil recovery by 10–20%. However, challenges such as dispersion instability, particle aggregation, high production costs, and uncertainties under high-temperature and high-salinity conditions limit large-scale implementation. By synthesizing current research, the review outlines the most promising nanoparticle systems and highlights future directions for expanding nano-EOR technologies in industrial applications.