Graphene nanomaterials in oil and gas industry: Current status and future perspectives

Abstract

As global energy demand continues to grow, the oil and gas industry is facing increasing pressure. There is a need to integrate sustainability and high-performance materials to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance operational safety. GNMs, with their exceptional electrical conductivity, high surface area, excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, and tunable surface chemistry, offer promising pathways to drive sustainable development in the industry. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the classification, production methods, and physicochemical properties of GNMs. It focuses on their latest applications in upstream exploration and production, midstream transportation and storage, and downstream refining and purification in the oil and gas industry. In upstream operations, GNMs enhance the stability of drilling fluids, completion fluids, and fracturing fluids under extreme conditions, thereby improving operational efficiency. In the midstream segment, GNMs help develop high-strength, corrosion-resistant composites, extending the service life of pipelines and storage tanks. In the downstream sector, GNMs serve as efficient catalysts and separation materials, optimizing refining processes and improving product purity. Despite the transformative potential of GNMs, challenges such as high production costs, limited scalability, and inadequate environmental impact assessments still hinder their large-scale commercialization. Future research should focus on developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly production technologies. Optimizing the performance of GNMs in industrial applications and conducting large-scale field trials to promote the sustainable use of GNMs in oil and gas industry.