Innovations in Polymeric Nanofluid Technologies for Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Comprehensive Review

The utilization of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods is crucial for improving the production of hydrocarbons from reservoirs. Nanoparticles (NPs)–polymer flooding has shown enormous promise since it can modify fluid motion, lower interfacial tension, and change wettability. An extensive summary of the use of NPs–polymer flooding to increase oil recovery efficiency is provided in this review paper. The definition of wettability alteration and its importance in oil recovery are covered in the first section of the study. It tests wettability by measuring contact angle, emphasizing the value of these techniques in determining how well NPs–polymer flooding works. The study also studies how altering interfacial tension can improve oil recovery, with a focus on the mechanisms via which NPs lower interfacial tension at the oil–water interface. In contrast with conventional surfactant techniques, it highlights the benefits of using NPs in terms of stability and control over mobility. With an emphasis on characterization methods like dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, the stability and dispersion of NPs in reservoir fluids are also examined. Zeta potential is critical for preserving NP stability and dispersion, as well as for improving EOR procedures. The paper primarily discusses the core flooding experiments conducted to assess the efficacy of flooding with NPs and polymers. The results of various investigations establish the higher performance of polymeric nanofluids over conventional approaches in recovering both light and heavy crude oils. Also, it addresses the challenges and limitations related to NPs–polymer flooding, including NPs retention and transport mechanisms in porous media. Polymeric NPs flooding shows great promise as an effective EOR technique, with enhanced recovery rates and improved reservoir performance.