Application of iron oxide nanoparticles in oil recovery – A critical review of the properties, formulation, recent advances and prospects

Abstract Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are of particular interest in multiple fields and in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) due to their unique advantages and characteristics. Albeit several laboratory research articles on IONPs in EOR are available, a critical review is still elusive in literature. Herein, critical information on the properties, formulation and application of IONPs in oil recovery is depicted. The basic physical, structural and physicochemical properties of IONPs were introduced. Thereafter, the preparation of iron oxide nanofluids (IONFs) was discussed. Likewise, potential application of IONPs, in petroleum industry was elucidated. Subsequently, effectiveness of IONPs in EOR was compared with other nanoparticles and the efficacy of surface coatings were reviewed. Finally, the main challenges hindering the applications of IONPs in oil field reservoir were identified and solutions proffered. Experimental results from the literature indicate that the effectiveness of IONPs in reservoir applications is directly related to their surface coatings. The coatings are used to enhance stability and transportation, minimise rock adsorption, and target specific oil recovery mechanisms, resulting in incremental oil recovery. Hence, surface treatment is a necessity for reservoir condition applications.