Recent advances in the application of nanoparticles: focus on enhanced oil recovery

In the current context, the growing interest of the scientific community in the application of nanoparticles focused on enhanced oil recovery highlights the need to explore and analyze innovative alternatives that overcome the limitations of conventional methods. The main objective of this article is to provide a detailed and critical comprehensive view of the application of nanoparticles, classified into metal, organic and inorganic oxides, and their ability to overcome conventional methods, highlighting their crucial role in enhanced oil recovery. In this article, classical methods of enhanced oil recovery are concisely addressed and nanoparticles are presented as a promising alternative. Different strategies for their use are then explored, analyzing the alteration mechanisms and examining the multiple factors that influence enhanced oil recovery. All these technical considerations include health and safety aspects, environmental impact and economic feasibility. As a result of this research, it is confirmed that the application of nanoparticles emerges as the most viable option to drive enhanced oil recovery. The combination of their nanometer size, high area/volume ratio, special chemical reactivity and high cost/benefit ratio provides superior results, supporting their potential to transform the oil industry toward more efficient and sustainable practices.