A Comprehensive Review of Nanomaterial Applications in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Mechanisms, Challenges, and Future Trends

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Masoud Bijani 1
Amir Hossein Sepahvand 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Petroleum and Geoenergy Engineering, University of Garmsar, Garmsar, Iran
2 B.Sc., Department of Petroleum and Geoenergy Engineering, University of Garmsar, Garmsar, Iran
Abstract
In this paper, the application of nanoparticles in the petroleum industry to enhance oil production of oil reservoirs is comprehensively reviewed. Nanomaterials are employed in various forms, including nanoparticles, nanosensors, nanocomposites, coated nanoparticles, and nanofluids, across different petroleum processes. Nanotechnology plays a pivotal role in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods by facilitating the extraction of oil trapped in subsurface reservoirs. Certain nanoparticles have garnered significant attention due to their environmental compatibility and cost-effectiveness. These nanoparticles create favorable conditions for improving oil recovery through their interactions with the rock/oil system.This study explores the types of nanoparticles and nanomaterials utilized in petroleum applications, emphasizing their physicochemical and mechanical properties. Additionally, the role of nanoparticles in chemical, hybrid, thermal, and microbial extraction methods is examined. The research also delves into the various mechanisms associated with nanoparticle usage, such as enhancing rheological properties, controlling fluid mobility, altering rock wettability, and reducing interfacial tension (IFT) between oil and water.Furthermore, the study investigates the potential of green nanomaterials and advanced nanocomposites designed to optimize fluid and oil recovery performance. These materials incorporate environmentally friendly chemical agents, such as surfactants, alcohols, and polymers, to improve the efficiency and sustainability of petroleum extraction processes.
Keywords
Nanotechnology
Nanofluids
Oil recovery
Interfacial tension
Green nanomaterials
Wettability alteration
Subjects

  1.  

    1. Hamad, H.T., et al. A review on nanotechnology and its applications on fluid flow in agriculture and water recourses. in IOP conference series: materials science and engineering. 2020. IOP Publishing.
    2. Kazemzadeh, Y., et al., Potential effects of metal oxide/SiO2 nanocomposites in EOR processes at different pressures. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2018. 559: p. 372-384.
    3. Boul, P.J. and P.M. Ajayan, Nanotechnology research and development in upstream oil and gas. Energy Technology, 2020. 8(1): p. 1901216.
    4. Mageswari, A., et al., Nanomaterials: classification, biological synthesis and characterization. Nanoscience in Food and Agriculture 3, 2016: p. 31-71.
    5. Panchal, H., et al., A systematic review on nanotechnology in enhanced oil recovery. Petroleum Research, 2021. 6(3): p. 204-212.
    6. Strambeanu, N., et al., Nanoparticles: Definition, classification and general physical properties, in Nanoparticles' Promises and Risks: Characterization, Manipulation, and Potential Hazards to Humanity and the Environment. 2014, Springer. p. 3-8.
    7. Mohanraj, V. and Y. Chen, Nanoparticles-a review. Tropical journal of pharmaceutical research, 2006. 5(1): p. 561-573.
    8. Khalili Nezhad, S.S. and G. Cheraghian, Mechanisms behind injecting the combination of nano-clay particles and polymer solution for enhanced oil recovery. Applied Nanoscience, 2016. 6(6): p. 923-931.
    9. Uddin, F., Clays, nanoclays, and montmorillonite minerals. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 2008. 39(12): p. 2804-2814.
    10. Agista, M.N., K. Guo, and Z. Yu, A state-of-the-art review of nanoparticles application in petroleum with a focus on enhanced oil recovery. Applied sciences, 2018. 8(6): p. 871.
    11. Kale, S.N. and S.L. Deore, Emulsion micro emulsion and nano emulsion: a review. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy, 2017. 8(1): p. 39.
    12. Mughal, B., et al., Biogenic nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterisation and applications. Applied Sciences, 2021. 11(6): p. 2598.
    13. El-Diasty, A.I. and A.M. Ragab. Applications of nanotechnology in the oil & gas industry: Latest trends worldwide & future challenges in Egypt. in SPE North Africa Technical Conference and Exhibition. 2013. SPE.
    14. Nworu, J. and O. Wilberforce, Application of nanotechnology for enhancing oil recovery (EOR) in oil and gas industry: a review. IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry, 2019. 12(2): p. 32-42.
    15. Sorbie, K.S., Polymer-improved oil recovery. 2013: Springer Science & Business Media.
    16. Gbadamosi, A.O., et al., An overview of chemical enhanced oil recovery: recent advances and prospects. International Nano Letters, 2019. 9: p. 171-202.
    17. Dordzie, G. and M. Dejam, Enhanced oil recovery from fractured carbonate reservoirs using nanoparticles with low salinity water and surfactant: A review on experimental and simulation studies. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 2021. 293: p. 102449.
    18. Ali, J., et al., Greenly synthesized magnetite@ SiO2@ xanthan nanocomposites and its application in enhanced oil recovery: IFT reduction and wettability alteration. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 2020. 45: p. 7751-7761.
    19. Tahernejad, E., et al., Evaluation of the simultaneous use of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and polyacrylamide polymer as an enhanced oil recovery method. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 2025. 47(1): p. 12001-12015.
    20. Khoramian, R., et al., Surface modification of nanoparticles for enhanced applicability of nanofluids in harsh reservoir conditions: A comprehensive review for improved oil recovery. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 2024. 333: p. 103296.
    21. Khoramian, R., et al., Impact of Relative Permeability Hysteresis on CO2 Storage in Saline Aquifers. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology, 2025. 15(1): p. 3-12.
    22. Moradi, B., et al. Application of SiO2 nano particles to improve the performance of water alternating gas EOR process. in SPE Oil and Gas India Conference and Exhibition? 2015. SPE.
    23. Zafar, M., et al., Mathematical Modeling of Nanofluid Flow for Enhanced Oil Recovery Under the Effect of the High Temperature. Journal of Advanced Research in Numerical Heat Transfer. 29: p. 86-101.
    24. Lao, J., et al., Micro/nanoparticle characteristics and flow in porous media: A review towards enhanced oil recovery. Energies, 2024. 17(16): p. 4136.
    25. Ivanova, A.A., et al., Effect of nanoparticles on viscosity and interfacial tension of aqueous surfactant solutions at high salinity and high temperature. Journal of Surfactants and Detergents, 2020. 23(2): p. 327-338.
    26. Liu, P., et al., Experimental study of rheological properties and oil displacement efficiency in oilfields for a synthetic hydrophobically modified polymer. Scientific reports, 2017. 7(1): p. 8791.
    27. Asl, H.F., et al., Effect of SiO2 nanoparticles on the performance of L-Arg and L-Cys surfactants for enhanced oil recovery in carbonate porous media. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2020. 300: p. 112290.
    28. Machale, J., et al., Impact of mineralogy, salinity, and temperature on the adsorption characteristics of a novel natural surfactant for enhanced oil recovery. Chemical Engineering Communications, 2022. 209(2): p. 143-157.
    29. Hu, J., et al., Preparation and Investigation of Temperature-Responsive SiO2–PSBMA Janus Nanosheet with Salt-Tolerant Properties for Enhanced Recovery of Heavy Oil. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2024. 16(51): p. 70851-70862.
    30. Kazemzadeh, Y., et al., Review on application of nanoparticles for EOR purposes: A critical review of the opportunities and challenges. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2019. 27(2): p. 237-246.
    31. Jafarbeigi, E., A. Mohammadidoust, and B. Ranjbar, A review on applications of nanoparticles in the enhanced oil recovery in carbonate reservoirs. Petroleum Science and Technology, 2022. 40(15): p. 1811-1828.
    32. Ali, J.A., et al., Recent advances in application of nanotechnology in chemical enhanced oil recovery: Effects of nanoparticles on wettability alteration, interfacial tension reduction, and flooding. Egyptian journal of petroleum, 2018. 27(4): p. 1371-1383.
    33. Eltoum, H., Y.-L. Yang, and J.-R. Hou, The effect of nanoparticles on reservoir wettability alteration: a critical review. Petroleum Science, 2021. 18: p. 136-153.
    34. Rezk, M.Y. and N.K. Allam, Impact of nanotechnology on enhanced oil recovery: A mini-review. Industrial & engineering chemistry research, 2019. 58(36): p. 16287-16295.

  • Receive Date 24 August 2025
  • Revise Date 07 October 2025
  • Accept Date 03 December 2025