Superparamagnetic ternary metal oxide nanoparticles consisting of combinations of Fe, Mn and Zn, as well as Fe, Gd, and Al, were synthesized via thermal decomposition of metal acetylacetonates.  The Fe-Mn-Zn oxide nanoparticles were also synthesized via a metal-oleate complex in an attempt to scale up to industrial quantities.  Each distinct composition gives a unique magnetic susceptibility signal, which can be distinguished against a background of magnetic material, particularly that found in oil wells.  Thus, these particles can be used as a means of tracing fracture jobs to ensure the fractures were done well, as well as being able determine if a well is leaking into the local water supply.  The various nanoparticles were characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), small angle X-ray scatter (SAXS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).   A methodology for concentrating and removing the nanoparticles from water was developed using a filtration system and a low magnetic field.

Superparamagnetic metal oxide nanoparticles as tracers in wells

247th National Meeting (2014)

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