Enhancing hydrocarbon productivity via wettability alteration: a review on the application of nanoparticles

Wettability alteration (WA) of reservoir rock is an attractive topic in the upstream oil and gas industry, for the improvement of hydrocarbon production. Novel methods and chemicals that may change the wetting state of reservoir rock to water-wet have highly attracted petroleum researchers' attention. Use of nanoparticles might be matured enough in different branches of sciences but in WA is still young, which increased in recent decades. This review paper presents a comprehensive review on WA, especially in terms of nanoparticle application in increasing oil recovery. Therefore, the areas of controversy of two rock types (carbonate and sandstone) as a main element in WA are discussed. A selection of reviewed nanoparticle types, preparation methods, and effective factors was also investigated. Moreover, two main methods of WA, static and dynamic, are highlighted. Although these methods have been discussed in many reviews, a clear classification form of these has not been considered. Such comprehensive arrangement is presented in this review, specifically on nanoparticle application. Moreover, coreflooding tests of different fluid types and injection scenarios are discussed. The review indicates promising use of nanoparticles in increasing ultimate oil recovery. It was hoped the current review paper can provide useful related reference to study WA via nanoparticle application.