Application of Modern Functional Materials in Petroleum Exploration and Process Development

Modern functional nanomaterials have tremendous scope in developing newer strategies for petroleum exploration, energy extraction, and oceanic sequestration. The functionalization of nanomaterials improves their tunability, effectiveness, and environmental susceptibility. Nanoparticle functionalization is done via simultaneous synthesis and functionalization strategies or post-synthesis functionalization. Nanoparticle inclusion in petroleum exploration reduces viscosity and interfacial tension, and enhances oil recovery from oil fields. Moreover, functional nanoparticles improve methane extraction from natural gas hydrate via the dissociation of hydrate cages. The current chapter discusses functional nanoparticle potential in petroleum exploration and process development, aiming to exploit the technology’s full potential in developing cost-effective strategies. Additionally, the chapter discusses nanoparticles’ role in enhanced oil recovery, wettability alteration, and interfacial tension reduction. This chapter also sheds light on methane extraction and oceanic CO2 sequestration through hydrates using nanomaterials.