Open access peer-reviewed chapter
Abstract
In-situ method synthesizes nanomaterials under reservoir conditions, harnessing the reservoir’s energy. It offers several advantages over the alternative process of synthesizing these particles outside the reservoir and subsequently injecting them into the porous medium. This study provides an overview of the fundamentals, effective parameters, and mechanisms of this in-situ synthesis method. A comparison between in-situ and ex-situ synthesis of nanoparticles is presented, along with a discussion of their respective advantages and disadvantages. The impact of in-situ synthesis of nanoparticles on oil production and crude oil upgrading is thoroughly examined. It was observed that in-situ synthesis of nanoparticles leads to a uniform distribution of nanoparticles within the reservoir, thereby reducing issues related to formation damage. Furthermore, in-situ synthesized nanoparticles exhibit a superior ability to reduce the viscosity of crude oil, increase the API gravity, absorb asphaltenes, and enhance the oil recovery factor compared to the ex-situ synthesis method.
Keywords
- nanoparticle
- in-situ synthesis
- EOR
- viscosity
- asphaltene
- oil recovery factor
1. Introduction
Crude oil stands as a fundamental requirement for large-scale industries. Consequently, the optimal production and extraction of crude oil from hydrocarbon reservoirs represent pressing concerns within today’s fuel supply industries [1]. In light of the limited oil resources and human capabilities for discovering new reservoirs, a significant challenge in the upstream sector of the oil industry is the production and exploitation of hydrocarbon resources in the latter stages of their lifespan, where production has dwindled [2]. This phase, known as Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), encompasses a broad spectrum of methods, including thermal techniques, chemical flooding, miscible and immiscible gas injection, microbial methods, and other contemporary approaches [3]. Each of these methods has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, along with operational limitations in field applications [4].
The emergence and extensive applications of nanotechnology in diverse industries such as electronics, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, materials, aerospace, and more have prompted many experts in energy-related fields to invest in this technology [5]. Consequently, numerous researchers have turned to the use of nanoparticles to address various challenges within the oil industry, enhance the efficiency of conventional EOR methods, and increase production from oil reservoirs, particularly heavy and extra-heavy oil reservoirs [6, 7]. Nanotechnology deals with materials at dimensions exceedingly close to the molecular scale (nanometers, 10–9 m). It has offered novel solutions to longstanding problems that prior technologies struggled to resolve. As materials transition from bulk to nano-scale, their properties undergo substantial changes, governed by entirely distinct laws compared to micro and macro dimensions [8].
Within the nanometer scale, material properties become highly dependent on the size of their constituent components, resulting in nanoparticles exhibiting behaviors different from bulk materials [9]. By incorporating nanoparticles into a base fluid (such as water, oil, and gas) and forming a colloidal suspension of fine nanometer particles (known as nanofluid), several crucial properties of the base fluid, including thermal, hydrodynamic, magnetic, and intermediate stress properties, can be altered [10]. These changes are heavily contingent on the type, size, and shape of the nanoparticles.
The exceptional properties of nanomaterials can substantially enhance EOR performance [11]. Notably, nanomaterials possess high surface energy. By selecting appropriate nanoparticles in terms of type and size, it is possible to modify rock and fluid properties within the reservoir, facilitating easier oil production. In low-permeability reservoirs, capillary forces play a pivotal role in oil recovery within the minuscule pores and channels of the reservoir rock [12]. Conventional EOR methods focus on capillary, viscous, and gravitational forces, while nanotechnology relies on intermolecular and quantum forces [13].
Traditional chemical EOR methods often encounter challenges such as pore closure in porous media due to injected fluids (e.g., polymeric materials), formation damage, chemical wastage, and the degradation of material properties in deep reservoirs under harsh conditions [14]. Nanoparticles, owing to their minute size, can penetrate rock pores without causing formation damage or reducing the reservoir rock’s permeability, thereby recovering oil droplets effectively. In essence, the unique properties of nanoparticles, such as their small size, high surface-to-volume ratio, robust mechanical and thermal resistance, excellent catalytic activity, high surface energy, and specific chemical and physical characteristics, have positioned nanoparticle injection into the reservoir as an efficient method for enhancing oil recovery [15]. Furthermore, nanoparticles are more environmentally compatible than other EOR methods and exhibit resistance to deformation under high temperatures and pressures, rendering them suitable for diverse reservoirs [16].
Despite extensive efforts, researchers face various challenges, including the industrial-scale and cost-effective production of nanomaterials, stability in high-salinity environments, and specialized equipment for injection, when developing the application of this method in large-scale EOR operations [17]. Hence, the development of optimal methods for the economical production of these materials in high quantities and a comprehensive understanding of their behavior in porous media can prove immensely beneficial [18].
Nanoparticles can be synthesized through various methods, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages [19]. In recent years, a new approach has emerged for synthesizing nanoparticles by utilizing the reservoir’s energy itself, known as the in-situ synthesis method [20]. It is anticipated that by refining this method and surmounting its challenges, the effectiveness of using nanoparticles in EOR processes can be significantly amplified. This endeavor may encourage oil companies to implement nanoparticles in actual oil fields. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the novel in-situ synthesis method of nanoparticles within the reservoir, elucidate its potential and mechanism, and review previous research in this area.
2. Mechanism of nanoparticles in EOR operation
A precise comprehension of the performance mechanisms of a substance plays a pivotal role in the success of an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) plan [21]. Therefore, understanding how nanoparticles traverse porous media and influence oil production can significantly aid the advancement of this method in operational oil fields [22]. Various parameters, including the type, size, and concentration of nanoparticles, reservoir temperature, and pressure, base fluid salinity, shear rate, injection rate, reservoir rock properties, rock pore diameter, crude oil composition, asphaltene content, water content, and the duration of contact between asphaltene and nanoparticles, impact the performance of nanoparticles in an EOR process [23]. Research conducted thus far indicates that nanoparticles enhance oil recovery through various mechanisms [24, 25, 26]. Some of these mechanisms are elaborated below:
Disjoining Pressure: Nanoparticles create a wedge-shaped layer at the three-phase water/oil/rock contact surface. This generates an osmotic pressure from the water phase toward the oil phase, prompting the movement of oil out of the rock pores.
Pore Channels Plugging: Nanoparticles accumulate at the openings of smaller pores, temporarily blocking them. This intensifies fluid flow to other pores and facilitates oil recovery from them.
Reducing Fluid Mobility: The addition of nanoparticles to the base fluid elevates its viscosity and reduces its mobility ratio. Consequently, injected fluid moves more effectively within the reservoir, lowering the likelihood of fingering effects.
Preventing and Controlling Asphaltene Deposition: Nanoparticles adsorb asphaltene molecules on their surfaces, enhancing asphaltene stability in the oil phase and diminishing their precipitation and separation from the oil phase.
Lowering Interfacial Surface Tension (IFT): Nanoparticles placed at the water–oil interface reduce capillary pressure between them, thereby reducing IFT between the two phases. This enhances the distribution and movement of fluids within the porous medium.
Wettability Alteration: Nanoparticles can alter the reservoir rock surface from oil-wet to strongly water-wet, overcoming capillary forces and facilitating the easier separation of oil droplets from the rock surface.
Stability of Foam/Microemulsions: Nanoparticles covering the interface between two phases (e.g., water/gas or water/oil) within the reservoir enhance surface elasticity, improving the stability of foam and emulsions.
Improved Thermal Properties: The addition of metal nanoparticles to the base fluid enhances thermal properties such as thermal conductivity and heat capacity. This leads to improved heat distribution within the reservoir and increased efficiency of thermal EOR methods.
Upgrading Oil Quality: Due to their unique catalytic properties, nanoparticles absorb large molecules in crude oil, such as asphaltene and resin, on their surfaces. Through catalytic cracking, they reduce crude oil viscosity and enhance its quality, making it easier for the oil to flow toward the production well.
3. Synthesis of nanoparticles
In all methods involving the injection of nanofluids to enhance oil recovery, nanoparticles are initially synthesized on the reservoir’s surface or outside of it [27]. Subsequently, these nanoparticles are introduced into the reservoir through the preparation of a colloidal solution (by dispersing them in a suitable base fluid and creating a stable nanofluid) [28]. These methods are known as ex-situ synthesis of nanoparticles. There exist various techniques for producing nanoparticles, which can be broadly categorized into the following three groups:
3.1 Physical vapor deposition
In this process, a solid metal is vaporized and then rapidly condensed to form nanoscale clusters and particles, which ultimately settle as powder. The most significant advantage of the Physical vapor deposition method is its low environmental impact. Moreover, this method allows for precise control of particle size by adjusting parameters such as temperature, gas medium, evaporation, and condensation rates, enabling the production of smaller and more uniformly sized particles [29].
3.2 Chemical methods
This category of synthesis methods involves two concurrent processes: nucleation and crystal growth in a liquid medium containing various reagents. By carefully regulating these processes, nanoparticles can be synthesized with a uniform size distribution and optimal size. This category encompasses various techniques such as sol-gel, co-precipitation, hydrothermal, solvothermal, sonochemical, microemulsion, microwave-assisted synthesis, and more. These methods are suitable for producing nanoparticles in high quantities and volumes at a relatively low cost. However, potential chemical pollution is a concern associated with these methods [30, 31].
3.3 Solid state processes
These methods entail the production of nanoparticles from larger-sized materials through processes like grinding or powdering. Various parameters, such as the type of grinding material, grinding time, and atmospheric conditions, can influence the properties of the resulting nanoparticles. This method can be employed to produce nanoparticles that may be challenging to obtain using the previously mentioned methods. It is worth noting that this approach tends to have higher costs and lower production volumes of nanoparticles compared to the methods in the previous two categories [32, 33].
4. In-situ synthesized of nanoparticles for EOR application
Ex-situ preparation and injecting of nanofluids into the reservoir can lead to formation damage and a reduction in reservoir permeability due to the agglomeration of nanoparticles upon contact with formation water and their sedimentation in areas near the injection well [34]. Consequently, it is crucial to modify the surface of nanoparticles to enhance their stability in the base fluid. The presence of solid nanoparticles in the base fluid necessitates specialized equipment for nanofluid injection into the reservoir, raising concerns about equipment corrosion. Additionally, discussions regarding the cost of synthesizing these particles, the reinjection process into the reservoir, and potential health hazards during this transfer have posed challenges associated with the use of ex-situ nanoparticle synthesis methods in EOR processes [35].
In recent years, researchers have turned to in-situ synthesis methods to address the challenges associated with ex-situ methods for nanoparticle synthesis. The goal of in-situ nanoparticle synthesis is to employ precursor salts and introduce them into the reservoir. In this method, the reservoir’s heat serves as the energy source for conducting the synthesis reaction.
It appears that various factors, such as the type and concentration of precursor salts, reservoir temperature and pressure, the type of reservoir rock and its surface charge, and the presence of specific ions, can influence the in-situ synthesis of nanoparticles. It’s noteworthy that this synthesis method is a one-step process, as the introduction of additional substances into the reaction system becomes unfeasible once fluids are injected into the reservoir. In this method, precursor salts are initially dissolved in the base fluid in specific quantities, tailored to the type of nanoparticle. This fluid is then injected into the reservoir, leading to the formation of a water-in-oil microemulsion. Consequently, the most commonly employed method for in-situ nanoparticle synthesis is the microemulsion method (Figure 1), known for its effectiveness in controlled nanoparticle synthesis [37].
Figure 1.
Schematic representation of water-in-oil microemulsion [
In this method, two immiscible solvents are employed in the presence of a surfactant for nanoparticle synthesis. The addition of a surfactant to the base fluid significantly reduces the IFT between oil and water, resulting in the formation of a stable microemulsion [38]. Crude oil may contain natural surfactants, such as resin and asphaltene, which can fulfill this role in an oil reservoir. The microemulsion method is suitable for synthesizing nanoparticles with uniform size, morphology, excellent dispersibility, and various shapes. Particle size can be controlled by adjusting the oil/water ratio, temperature, and the aqueous phase, while particle morphology can be influenced by altering the pH of the reaction mixture [39].
Subsequently, the aqueous phase droplets move within the emulsion, merging and mixing. The synthesis reaction commences as reactive molecules penetrate from one droplet to another. The energy required for nanoparticle synthesis is derived from the heat within the reservoir. As the primary nucleus forms and grows, the synthesis reaction concludes, yielding nanoparticles. The droplets are then separated from one another once more. Consequently, this method is proficient at producing monodispersed nanoparticles characterized by small, uniform particle size.
5. In-situ vs. ex-situ synthesis of nanoparticles and effective mechanisms
In-situ nanoparticle synthesis, due to the smaller size and heightened surface activity of nanoparticles, can be more effective in crude oil production mechanisms from porous media, such as reducing crude oil viscosity. This method employs precursor salts for nanoparticles, allowing the use of conventional equipment and pumps for their injection into the reservoir. Nanoparticles synthesized using this method exhibit greater stability, resolving issues related to nanoparticle deposition within reservoir rock pores, permeability reduction, and formation damage to a significant extent. This is because nanoparticles are initially synthesized through ex-situ processes. Subsequently, to disperse them in the base fluid, typically water due to its abundance, the surface of these nanoparticles must undergo hydrophilic modification to facilitate the preparation of a stable colloidal fluid. However, practical experience has demonstrated that the application of mechanical stresses within the injection equipment, coupled with the high pressure and temperature conditions within the reservoir, as well as the salinity of the reservoir fluids, leads to a rapid and substantial reduction in the stability of these nanofluids. Consequently, solid particles become trapped within the pores of the reservoir rock, significantly diminishing permeability due to particle deposition within the throat regions of the reservoir rock. This issue gives rise to problems associated with formation damage, which necessitates consideration by experts in a protective production process.
However, in in-situ processes, nanoparticles are produced utilizing their precursor salts. These particles are synthesized under reservoir conditions, at the reservoir’s temperature and pressure, in tandem with the movement of the injected fluid within the porous medium. The smaller size of the particles in this method, along with the resulting high surface-to-volume ratio and surface energy, facilitates their easy penetration into the small pores of the reservoir rock, allowing for efficient oil removal without entrapment. Consequently, in the in-situ synthesis processes of nanoparticles, the risk of particle sedimentation within the reservoir rock pores and subsequent permeability reduction is significantly reduced.
Additionally, nanoparticles are more uniformly distributed in the reservoir fluids, increasing the stimulated area within the reservoir and enabling nanofluids to affect a larger volume of the porous medium. This is because in the in-situ synthesis processes of nanoparticles, precursor salts of the desired material are utilized. These salts exhibit complete solubility in water, significantly reducing the likelihood of precipitation within the pores of the reservoir rock when compared to ex-situ synthesized nanoparticles. Since nanoparticles are gradually synthesized in the in-situ method, harnessing the reservoir’s energy during the injection process, the injection fluid can uniformly transport a larger quantity of nanoparticles into a greater reservoir volume. Consequently, in flooding processes, a more extensive portion of the reservoir will be stimulated to enhance crude oil production. Furthermore, this approach streamlines the synthesis of nanoparticles, utilizing the temperature and energy available within the reservoir itself for synthesis reactions. Consequently, costs associated with nanoparticle synthesis, reinjection, and economic concerns, including material wastage, nanoparticle transportation, and potential human health risks, are substantially reduced.
These attributes underscore the importance of studying and understanding the mechanisms of in-situ synthesized nanoparticles, surpassing the significance of the ex-situ synthesis method. If the challenges associated with optimal in-situ nanoparticle synthesis can be successfully addressed, many issues in field-scale nanofluid injection operations can be overcome. Figure 2 summarizes the advantages of this method.
Figure 2.
Advantages of the in-situ synthesis of nanoparticles.
6. Effect of in-situ synthesis of nanoparticles on oil production and upgrading
In recent times, a select group of researchers has delved into the possibility of in-situ nanoparticle synthesis within the oil reservoir, operating independently of the reservoir rock. Studies conducted in this realm have revealed that a limited set of nanoparticles, namely iron oxide (Fe2O3), nickel oxide (NiO), vanadium oxide (V2O5), alumina (Al2O3), copper oxide (CuO), and cerium oxide (CeO2), have been successfully synthesized in-situ to enhance oil recovery. The prevailing method employed for synthesis primarily involves the creation of a stable water-in-oil microemulsion from precursor salts. Typically, researchers have utilized Parr reactors or high-pressure reactors, essential not only for maintaining the high temperature required but also for achieving the necessary pressure for the synthesis reaction. The synthesized nanoparticles have fallen within the size range of 5 to 35 nm. Furthermore, various objectives, such as asphaltene absorption, viscosity reduction, and enhancement of the oil recovery factor, have been thoroughly investigated. The following table provides an overview of the studies conducted in the field of in-situ nanoparticle synthesis for the purpose of improving oil production.
Previous studies have demonstrated that the control of crystallinity and morphology of nanoparticles using the in-situ synthesis method surpasses that of the ex-situ method. Abdrabo et al. [40] achieved in-situ synthesis of NiO nanoparticles with a size of 20 nm and V2O5 nanoparticles with a size of 15 nm using ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) and nickel (II) nitrate (Ni(NO3)2) precursor solutions. By carefully regulating the size of synthesized nanoparticles, the active surface area of these nanoparticles increases significantly. This enhanced catalytic activity enables the breakdown of heavy crude oil molecules and the upgrading of heavy crude oil and bitumen. Additionally, Biyouki et al. [41] illustrated that in-situ synthesized NiO nanoparticles exhibit superior crystallinity and morphology compared to commercial nanoparticles. They revealed that nucleation and growth mechanisms for NiO crystals occur in the liquid phase, leading to condensation, primary nucleus accumulation, secondary particle formation, and nanoparticle crystal growth.
Mehrooz et al. [20] adopted a straightforward one-step approach within a crude oil medium for the in-situ synthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles at low temperatures. They employed precursor salts such as ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and Ceric ammonium nitrate (H8N8CeO18) to create a stable water-in-oil microemulsion (see Figure 3). They systematically investigated the impact of various parameters, including temperature, pH, precursor salt concentration, and stirring time, on the size and quality of the in-situ synthesized CeO2 nanoparticles. Their method successfully generated high-quality CeO2 nanoparticles with an average size of 18 nm. Their findings underscored that the reaction temperature of the solution exerted the most significant influence on the size of the synthesized nanoparticles.
Figure 3.
Proposed procedure for in-situ synthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles [
Husein et al. [43] employed an in-situ method to synthesize Al2O3 nanoparticles with an average diameter of 17 nm at a temperature of 300°C. Thanks to their higher dispersion surface and more uniform distribution, these in-situ synthesized Al2O3 nanoparticles exhibited superior catalytic activity in reducing viscosity and increasing the API of crude oil compared to commercial nanoparticles. Hashemi et al. [44] employed trimetallic nanocatalysts of tungsten, nickel, and molybdenum with excellent dispersibility in vacuum gas oil (VGO). Their findings indicated that these nanoparticles possessed favorable catalytic properties for steam injection processes. In-situ synthesized nanoparticles increased the API of oil more effectively than commercial counterparts, ultimately increasing the production of heavy oil and bitumen by reducing viscosity. Chen et al. [45] in-situ converted copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) precursor salt into CuO nanoparticles with high dispersion. CuO nanoparticles reduced the viscosity of heavy crude oil by 94.6% and concurrently converted 22.4% of asphaltenes into lighter components. Notably, minimal agglomeration of CuO nanoparticles was observed during catalytic reactions.
In comparison to commercial nanoparticles, in-situ synthesized nanoparticles exhibit a higher capacity to absorb asphaltene on their surfaces. Abu Tarboush and Husein [46] observed that in-situ synthesized NiO nanoparticles absorbed a larger amount of asphaltene on their surface than their commercial counterparts. In the case of in-situ synthesized nanoparticles, the amount of asphaltene absorption on their surface reached 2.85 (grams of asphaltene per gram of nanoparticle). In contrast, commercial nanoparticles could only absorb 15% of this amount. They also introduced a microemulsion method for in-situ synthesis of Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Their research indicated that the water content in the microemulsion had no significant impact on asphaltene absorption. Furthermore, they noted that asphaltene absorption on the surface of in-situ synthesized nanoparticles was highly favorable [47]. Biyouki et al. [41] found that in-situ synthesized NiO nanoparticles outperformed ex-situ synthesized NiO nanoparticles in the process of coke oxidation and preventing asphaltene precipitation.
In-situ nanoparticle synthesis can significantly enhance oil production, increasing the tertiary oil recovery factor from 10 to 28.5% using in-situ synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles at a concentration of 6400 ppm [48]. By introducing in-situ synthesized CeO2 nanoparticles into the water as a dispersion medium, the oil recovery factor improved substantially. Additionally, increasing the concentration of CeO2 nanoparticles in water reduced the fingering phenomenon. It is essential to note that exceeding the optimal nanoparticle concentration in the base fluid increases the likelihood of particle deposition within the porous medium. Simultaneously, the impact of nanoparticles on altering the hydrodynamic properties of the injected fluid and the mechanisms for improving oil recovery diminishes. Furthermore, CeO2 nanoparticles exhibited an excellent ability to separate oil droplets adhered to the porous medium’s walls, reducing the amount of crude oil trapping during the flooding process. This phenomenon was clearly observed in microscopic images of the porous medium (see Figure 4).
Figure 4.
The oil trapping effect during in-situ synhesiezed CeO2 nanoparticles [
7. Challenges and future prospects
In spite of the extensive efforts and research conducted, the field of in-situ nanoparticle synthesis is still in its infancy, with only a limited number of studies focused on increasing oil production. Many aspects of this process remain incompletely defined, demanding closer attention from researchers. The synthesis of nanoparticles with specific and desirable characteristics, along with an in-depth investigation of the parameters influencing the optimal and high-quality synthesis of these particles for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications, should be a primary focus. Only through such efforts can this method be effectively employed at a field-scale EOR level. Several of the challenges and opportunities in this domain are as follows:
As observed, only a limited range of nanoparticles has been synthesized using this method. It appears that inorganic nanoparticles, such as silica or clay, exhibit strong compatibility with oil reservoirs and possess significant potential for improving oil recovery factors. Consequently, the in-situ synthesis of various other types of nanoparticles and an examination of their performance should be pursued.
The predominant synthesis method employed in this field has been the creation of a stable water-in-oil microemulsion. The exploration of alternative techniques, such as microwave and ultrasound waves, could prove beneficial. Consequently, there is a need for the development of a straightforward and cost-effective method for in-situ synthesis across diverse nanoparticle types.
Considering that the majority of oil reservoirs maintain temperatures below 120°C, and this method relies on harnessing reservoir energy, researchers should emphasize nanoparticle synthesis at lower temperatures.
A detailed exploration of the impact of various parameters on the in-situ synthesis of nanoparticles, including temperature, pressure, pH, type and concentration of precursor, stirring time, etc., is lacking.
The precise effects of in-situ synthesized nanoparticles on asphaltene absorption and deposition in oil reservoirs, reduction of IFT, alteration of reservoir rock wettability, and crude oil viscosity have not been comprehensively examined.
The influence of nanoparticle shape and morphology (e.g., cubic or spherical) on oil recovery factors remains unexplored.
One of the key challenges in utilizing nanoparticles for EOR is ensuring their colloidal stability under extreme temperature and pressure conditions. Additionally, the salinity of the injection fluid can impact nanoparticle effectiveness. Therefore, it is imperative to develop suitable methods for enhancing the stability of in-situ synthesized nanoparticles. Furthermore, thorough investigation into the impact of salt type and concentration dissolved in the injection fluid on nanoparticle stability is warranted.
For a more realistic assessment of the process, researchers should employ porous media such as sandpacks and core samples to conduct studies closely mimicking actual oil reservoir conditions, including the effect of reservoir rock on in-situ nanoparticle synthesis.
Comprehensive studies on the environmental implications, subsurface water quality, and potential human health effects resulting from this method have yet to be conducted.
One of the primary challenges in implementing nanoparticles in EOR processes is their costliness. Therefore, an economic feasibility study and strategies to reduce injection operation costs are crucial.
Molecular simulation represents a viable approach for gaining insights into the mechanisms governing in-situ synthesized nanoparticles at microscopic scales.
8. Conclusions
In-situ synthesis of nanoparticles represents a novel approach to the economical production of nanoparticles and overcoming the challenges associated with ex-situ nanoparticle injection in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes. In this method, the synthesis reaction takes place within the oil medium, leveraging the reservoir’s energy. The principal advantages of this approach include the even distribution of nanoparticles within the reservoir, minimized formation damage, and greater impact on crude oil production mechanisms. When compared to the ex-situ method, the in-situ method affords more precise control over the crystallinity and morphology of nanoparticles. Size control assumes a pivotal role in determining the catalytic activity of in-situ synthesized nanoparticles. In-situ synthesized nanoparticles exhibit enhanced capabilities in reducing crude oil viscosity, increasing crude oil API, absorbing asphaltene molecules, and augmenting oil recovery factors in comparison to their commercial counterparts. Nevertheless, researchers face various challenges and opportunities in their endeavors to implement this method in real-world oil fields.
References
- 1.
Kazemzadeh Y, Shojaei S, Riazi M, Sharifi M. Review on application of nanoparticles for EOR purposes: A critical review of the opportunities and challenges. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering. 2019; 27 :237-246. DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2018.05.022 - 2.
Gharibshahi R, Jafari A, Haghtalab A, Karambeigi MS. Application of CFD to evaluate pore morphology effect in the Nanofluid flooding for enhanced oil recovery. RSC Advances. 2015; 5 :28938-28949. DOI: 10.1039/C4RA15452E - 3.
Gharibshahi R, Omidkhah M, Jafari A, Fakhroueian Z. Hybridization of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles with MWCNTs and effect of surface modification on electromagnetic heating process efficiency: A microfluidics enhanced oil recovery study. Fuel. 2020; 282 :118603. DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2020.118603 - 4.
Yakasai F, Jaafar MZ, Bandyopadhyay S, Agi A. Current developments and future outlook in nanofluid flooding: A comprehensive review of various parameters influencing oil recovery mechanisms. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. 2021; 93 :138-162. DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2020.10.017 - 5.
Liang T, Hou JR, Qu M, Xi JX, Raj I. Application of nanomaterial for enhanced oil recovery. Petroleum Science. 2021; 19 (2):882-899. DOI: 10.1016/j.petsci.2021.11.011 - 6.
Tohidi Z, Teimouri A, Jafari A, Gharibshahi R, Omidkhah MR. Application of Janus nanoparticles in enhanced oil recovery processes: Current status and future opportunities. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. 2022; 208 :109602. DOI: 10.1016/j.petrol.2021.109602 - 7.
Al-Asadi A, Rodil E, Soto A. Nanoparticles in chemical EOR: A review on flooding tests. Nanomaterials. 2022; 12 (23):4142. DOI: 10.3390/nano12234142 - 8.
Di Ventra M, Evoy S, Heflin JR. Introduction to Nanoscale Science and Technology. Vol. 6. Boston, United States: Springer Science & Business Media; 2004. pp. 1-3. DOI: 10.1007/1-4020-7757-2_1 - 9.
Panchal H, Patel H, Patel J, Shah M. A systematic review on nanotechnology in enhanced oil recovery. Petroleum Research. 2021; 6 (3):204-212. DOI: 10.1016/j.ptlrs.2021.03.003 - 10.
Gharibshahi R, Jafari A, Omidkhah M, Nezhad JR. Performance experimental investigation of novel multifunctional nanohybrids on enhanced oil recovery. AIP Conference Proceedings. 2018; 1920 (1):20012. DOI: 10.1063/1.5018944 - 11.
Khoramian R, Kharrat R, Golshokooh S. The development of novel nanofluid for enhanced oil recovery application. Fuel. 2022; 311 :122558. DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2021.122558 - 12.
Cheraghian G, Rostami S, Afrand M. Nanotechnology in enhanced oil recovery. PRO. 2020; 8 (9):1073. DOI: 10.3390/pr8091073 - 13.
Farshadfar H, Armandi HS, Gharibshahi R, Jafari A. Simultaneous electromagnetic radiation and Nanofluid injection and their interactions in EOR operations: A comprehensive review. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. 2023; 580 (1):170863. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2023.170863 - 14.
Gharibshahi R, Jafari A. Numerical investigation of controllable parameters effect on Nanofluid flooding in a random pore generated porous medium. Iranian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. 2021; 40 (3):780-795. DOI: 10.30492/IJCCE.2020.66919.2560 - 15.
Gharibshahi R, Omidkhah M, Jafari A, Mehrooz N. Parametric optimization of in-situ heavy oil upgrading using simultaneous microwave radiation and magnetic nanohybrids via Taguchi approach. Fuel. 2022; 325 :124717. DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2022.124717 - 16.
Ayatollahi S, Zerafat M. Nanotechnology-assisted EOR techniques: New solutions to old challenges. In: SPE International Oilfield Nanotechnology Conference and Exhibition. June 2012; Noordwijk, Netherlands. 2012. pp. 1-15 - 17.
Fakoya MF, Shah SN. Emergence of nanotechnology in the oil and gas industry: Emphasis on the application of silica nanoparticles. Petroleum. 2017; 3 (4):391-405. DOI: 10.1016/j.petlm.2017.03.001 - 18.
Peng B, Tang J, Luo J, Wang P, Ding B, Tam KC. Applications of nanotechnology in oil and gas industry: Progress and perspective. Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering. 2018; 96 (1):91-100. DOI: 10.1002/cjce.23042 - 19.
El-Khawaga AM, Zidan A, Abd El-Mageed AIA. Preparation methods of different nanomaterials for various potential applications: A review. Journal of Molecular Structure. 2023; 1281 :135148. DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.135148 - 20.
Mehrooz N, Gharibshahi R, Jafari A, Delavari H, Sadeghnejad S. Low-temperature in-situ synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles applicable in EOR processes: Parametric study by Taguchi approach. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. 2022; 219 :111078. DOI: 10.1016/j.petrol.2022.111078 - 21.
Sheng JJ. Enhanced Oil Recovery Field Case Studies. 1st ed. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Gulf Professional Publishing; 2013. p. 712. DOI: 10.1016/C2010-0-67974-0 - 22.
Boul PJ, Ajayan PM. Nanotechnology research and development in upstream oil and gas. Energy Technology. 2020; 8 (1):1901216. DOI: 10.1002/ente.201901216 - 23.
Sun X, Zhang Y, Chen G, Gai Z. Application of nanoparticles in enhanced oil recovery: A critical review of recent Progress. Energies. 2017; 10 (3):345. DOI: 10.3390/en10030345 - 24.
Shamsi Armandi H, Jafari A, Gharibshahi R. Nanoparticles assisted microwave radiation: Fluid-rock interactions in oil reservoirs. Petroleum Science. 2021; 18 (6):1797-1812. DOI: 10.1016/j.petsci.2021.09.002 - 25.
Saha R, Tiwari P, Uppaluri RVS. Chemical Nanofluids in Enhanced Oil Recovery: Fundamentals and Applications. Boca Raton, Florida, USA: CRC Press; 2021. p. 170. DOI: 10.1201/9781003010937 - 26.
Iravani M, Khalilnezhad Z, Khalilnezhad A. A review on application of nanoparticles for EOR purposes: History and current challenges. Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology. 2023; 13 (4):959-994. DOI: 10.1007/s13202-022-01606-x - 27.
Gharibshahi R, Jafari A, Asadzadeh N. Influence of different nanoparticles on the gas injection performance in EOR operation: Parametric and CFD simulation study. Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering. 2023; 1 :1-14. DOI: 10.1002/cjce.25071 - 28.
Sun Y, Yang D, Shi L, Wu H, Cao Y, He Y, et al. Properties of nanofluids and their applications in enhanced oil recovery: A comprehensive review. Energy & Fuels. 2020; 34 (2):1202-1218. DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b03501 - 29.
Wegner K, Walker B, Tsantilis S, Pratsinis SE. Design of metal nanoparticle synthesis by vapor flow condensation. Chemical Engineering Science. 2002; 57 (10):1753-1762. DOI: 10.1016/S0009-2509(02)00064-7 - 30.
Baig N, Kammakakam I, Falath W. Nanomaterials: A review of synthesis methods, properties, recent progress, and challenges. Materials Advances. 2021; 2 (6):1821-1871. DOI: 10.1039/D0MA00807A - 31.
Khan I, Saeed K, Khan I. Nanoparticles: Properties, applications and toxicities. Arabian Journal of Chemistry. 2019; 12 (7):908-931. DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2017.05.011 - 32.
Aswani R, Radhakrishnan EK. In: Shanker U, Hussain CM, Rani M, editors. Green Approaches for Nanotechnology. Green Functionalized Nanomaterials for Environmental Applications. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier; 2022. pp. 129-154. DOI: 10.1016/C2019-0-04822-4 - 33.
Joy J, Krishnamoorthy A, Tanna A, Kamathe V, Nagar R, Srinivasan S. Recent developments on the synthesis of nanocomposite materials via ball milling approach for energy storage applications. Applied Sciences. 2022; 12 (18):9312. DOI: 10.3390/app12189312 - 34.
Gharibshahi R, Omidkhah M, Jafari A, Fakhroueian Z. Experimental investigation of nanofluid injection assisted microwave radiation for enhanced heavy oil recovery in a micromodel system. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering. 2022; 39 (3):562-575. DOI: 10.1007/s11814-021-0961-7 - 35.
Druetta P, Raffa P, Picchioni F. Plenty of room at the bottom: Nanotechnology as solution to an old issue in enhanced oil recovery. Applied Sciences. 2018; 8 (12):2596. DOI: 10.3390/app8122596 - 36.
Hashemi R, Nassar NN, Almao PP. Nanoparticle technology for heavy oil in-situ upgrading and recovery enhancement: Opportunities and challenges. Applied Energy. 2014; 133 :374-387. DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.07.069 - 37.
Cid A. Synthesis of NPs by microemulsion method. In: Microemulsion-a Chemical Nanoreactor. London, United Kingdom: IntechOpen; 2018. pp. 77-92. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.80633.ch5 - 38.
Zielińska-Jurek A, Reszczyńska J, Grabowska E, Zaleska A. Nanoparticles preparation using microemulsion systems. In: Najjar R, editor. Microemulsions-an Introduction to Properties and Applications. Rijeka, Croatia: IntechOpen; 2012. pp. 229-250. DOI: 10.5772/36183.ch12 - 39.
Malik MA, Wani MY, Hashim MA. Microemulsion method: A novel route to synthesize organic and inorganic nanomaterials: 1st Nano update. Arabian Journal of Chemistry. 2012; 5 (4):397-417. DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2010.09.027 - 40.
Abdrabo AE, Husein MM. Method for converting demetallization products into dispersed metal oxide nanoparticles in heavy oil. Energy & Fuels. 2012; 26 (2):810-815. DOI: 10.1021/ef201819j - 41.
Biyouki AA, Hosseinpour N, Bahramian A, Vatani A. In-situ upgrading of reservoir oils by in-situ preparation of NiO nanoparticles in thermal enhanced oil recovery processes. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 2017; 520 :289-300. DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2017.01.089 - 42.
Mehrooz N, Gharibshahi R, Jafari A, Delavari H, Sadeghnejad S. Effect of In-situ synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles on oil recovery factor in a glass micromodel. Applied Research in Chemical-Polymer Engineering. 2022; 6 (2):3-14 - 43.
Husein MM, Alkhaldi SJ. In situ preparation of alumina nanoparticles in heavy oil and their thermal cracking performance. Energy & Fuels. 2014; 28 (10):6563-6569. DOI: 10.1021/ef5012963 - 44.
Hashemi R, Nassar NN, Pereira Almao P. Enhanced heavy oil recovery by in situ prepared ultradispersed multimetallic nanoparticles: A study of hot fluid flooding for Athabasca bitumen recovery. Energy & Fuels. 2013; 27 (4):2194-2201. DOI: 10.1021/ef3020537 - 45.
Chen M, Li C, Li GR, Chen YL, Zhou CG. In situ preparation of well-dispersed CuO nanocatalysts in heavy oil for catalytic aquathermolysis. Petroleum Science. 2019; 16 (2):439-446. DOI: 10.1007/s12182-019-0300-3 - 46.
Tarboush BJA, Husein MM. Adsorption of asphaltenes from heavy oil onto in situ prepared NiO nanoparticles. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science.2012; 378 (1):64-69. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.04.016 - 47.
Tarboush BJA, Husein MM. Dispersed Fe2O3 nanoparticles preparation in heavy oil and their uptake of asphaltenes. Fuel Processing Technology. 2015; 133 :120-127. DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2014.12.049 - 48.
Hu Z, Nourafkan E, Gao H, Wen D. Microemulsions stabilized by in-situ synthesized nanoparticles for enhanced oil recovery. Fuel. 2017; 210 :272-281. DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2017.08.004