application in fields as diverse as medicine and computing. Their catalytic applications in downstream oil and gas have long been recognized. However, it has only been in the last decade that have explored their use in reservoir imaging and management. This talk will present efforts to create magnetic nanocrystals for diverse functions in sub-surface environments. Magnetic nanocrystals, iron oxides and related spinel ferrites (MFe2O4, M= Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+), can be formed in solution phase reactions to produce materials with a variety of diameters and uniform size distributions. Sub-nanometer graphite coatings can be deposited on nanocrystal surfaces during their preparation, leading to materials that resist degradation under the harsh chemical conditions of reservoirs. When coated with highly charged sulfonated co-polymers they are non-aggregating even in highly saline environments, and can move through porous media such as sandstone. For magnetic imaging in reservoirs, particles must be optimized as ‘soft magnet’ exhibiting extremely high magnetization at very low applied fields. If used as a magnetic collector for sensing of reservoir conditions, nanocrystals of larger dimensions are preferable. Magnetic nanocrystals can also be used as catalytic supports, and may offer a means for in-situ transformation of viscosity and chemical composition.

Magnetic nanocrystals: Materials for sensing, imaging and changing oil and gas reservoirs

254th National Meeting (2017)

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