Review of Nanoparticles in Water-Based Drilling Fluids: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions

Over the past 2 decades, nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as pivotal additives for advancing water-based drilling fluids (WBMs), driven by their unique ability to address challenges in extreme drilling environments. In particular, the number of publications on the application of NPs in WBMs published between 16 and 25 years was 32 times higher than in the previous 10 years. Among them, oxide NPs and polymer NPs have received much attention due to their excellent high-temperature and high-pressure resistance. For example, silicon oxide NPs can enhance the rheological properties of drilling fluids by more than 50% at 270 °C ambient. A small amount of cellulose NPs was able to reduce filtration loss by more than 60%. Notably, the use of mineral-based NPs can significantly reduce the cost and environmental and human health risks associated with the use of drilling fluids. Additionally, the review highlights the primary challenges hindering the widespread adoption of NPs, including cost, stability, scalability, and the application of smart drilling fluids in the future. By identification of these obstacles and discussion of potential solutions, the review aims to guide future research and development efforts, ultimately contributing to the advancement of more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective water-based drilling fluids.