Surfactant delivery systems for enhanced oil recovery

Global consumption of petroleum is increasing, and there is a significant prospect of a further surge in oil demand in the upcoming years. An alternative to meet this energy need is the increase of oil recovery in new or mature oils reservoirs. Research in the advanced oil recovery sector, specifically focusing on surfactant injection, has shown promising results and the potential to contribute to global oil production. However, the high costs associated with surfactant injection, attributed to losses through adsorption on the rock, is a major concern. Surfactants play a crucial role in reducing interfacial tension and modifying wettability, crucial parameters to increase the oil recovery factor. To mitigate the issues of surfactant injection, the utilization of surfactant carriers has proven effective. This comprehensive article reviews four major classes of surfactant-carrying materials, namely inorganic nanoparticles, carbon materials, polymers, and supramolecular systems, with the objective of minimizing surfactant loss in enhanced oil recovery. The review identifies challenges, proposes alternative approaches, and explores opportunities for applying different surfactant nanocarrires systems for EOR. Furthermore, it discusses the classification, mechanisms of action, and synergistic effects between carrier-surfactant systems, addressing the importance of systematically grouping these systems for the advancement of science and technology. The review also highlights the permeation capabilities of these carrier materials through porous media, their size-based rock adsorption, and the potential synergistic effects on interfacial properties in the reservoir. By examining these aspects, innovative techniques for EOR can be developed and a deeper understanding of the subject can be achieved.