A Review on High-Performance Nanomaterials for Extraction and Purification of Oil from Unconventional Resources

With the increasing demand for energy resources and the declining accessibility of conventional oil reservoirs, the extraction and purification of oil from unconventional sources such as oil sands, heavy oil, and oil shales have become a global challenge. In this regard, nanotechnology, through the development of high-performance nanomaterials, offers a novel perspective on enhancing oil recovery and crude oil purification. Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, unique surface properties, and ability to optimize catalytic reactions, nanomaterials play a crucial role in improving the efficiency of oil extraction from unconventional sources. This review article, based on recent studies, explores various applications of nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, nanocomposites, and nanocatalysts, in oil extraction and purification. Additionally, key challenges such as production costs, nanomaterial toxicity, reservoir stability, and environmental impacts are discussed. Furthermore, future perspectives emphasize the development of eco-friendly nanomaterials, the use of advanced modeling techniques for predicting nanomaterial performance, and the application of artificial intelligence in optimizing oil-related processes. The findings indicate that employing high-performance nanomaterials can significantly enhance the efficiency of oil extraction and purification from unconventional sources, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in the oil and gas industry.

Keywords:

Nanomaterials , Oil Extraction , Oil Purification , Unconventional Resources , Enhanced Oil Recovery , Nanocatalysts , Nanocomposites