Review on Application of Nanotechnology for Asphaltene Adsorption, Crude Oil Demulsification, and Produced Water Treatment

Nanotechnology is widely recognized for having important applications in many industries, one of which is oil and gas. Both environmental and cost benefits can be achieved when using nanoparticles for the separation of water and oil or further purification of produced water. More efficient emulsion separation can be achieved by selective adsorption of naturally present stabilizing components or magnetic action applied to nanoparticle-tagged droplets. The focus of this review is given to both nanoparticles and nanocomposites that have been studied with respect to asphaltene adsorption, crude oil demulsification, and produced water treatment, as well as oil spill cleanup and improvement of antifouling resistance of filtration membranes. Asphaltene chemistry and its role in emulsion stabilization are discussed in detail.