Mini-review on Recent Advances in the Application of Surface-Active Ionic Liquids: Petroleum Industry Perspective

TLDR

Ionic liquids, with unique structures and properties such as chemical and thermal stability, negligible vapor pressure, and strong solvency, are emerging as promising materials for diverse industrial applications, including various petroleum industry operations. The paper reviews prior work on ionic liquid applications across petroleum industry sectors and aims to help professionals and researchers understand current practices and plan future developments. The authors conduct a comprehensive literature review of ionic liquid applications in petroleum processes. The review covers ionic liquid roles in enhanced oil recovery, drilling fluids, gas hydrate management, CO2 capture, and flow assurance.

Abstract

Ionic liquids have emerged as a promising new material for a wide range of industrial applications, because of their unique structures and properties. Ionic liquids possess exceptional properties such as chemical and thermal stability, negligible vapor pressure, or solvency power for different types of molecules. Ionic liquids find their application in different operations in petroleum industry. The purpose of this paper is to review previously published works on the application of the IL in various areas of the petroleum industry and related processes. A detailed discussion of various processes such as enhanced oil recovery, drilling fluids, gas hydrate, CO2 capture, and flow assurance has been provided. This in-depth discussion is intended to aid professional and researchers in understanding the present condition and planning for the future.