About this Research Topic
The extraction of oil from reservoirs is a vital concern within the realm of petroleum engineering and chemistry. This challenge necessitates not only efficient oil recovery but also environmentally responsible methods. With the ever-increasing demand for petroleum products, optimizing extraction processes has become imperative. Conventional techniques often leave a significant portion of oil untapped, prompting the need for innovative solutions. Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR) has emerged as a promising avenue, harnessing the principles of chemistry to enhance oil recovery while minimizing environmental footprints. Recent studies have shown that chemical formulations based on surfactants, polymers, and alkaline agents can significantly improve oil recovery rates. However, there remains a gap in understanding the fundamental chemistry behind these processes and their environmental impacts, necessitating further investigation.
This research topic aims to delve into the latest advancements in CEOR from a fundamental chemistry perspective. The primary goal is to illuminate how chemical processes and formulations are reshaping oil recovery methodologies and enhancing production rates. This includes exploring novel chemical structures, functional groups, and molecular architectures that enhance the performance of chemicals employed in CEOR processes. Additionally, investigating the environmental impact and biodegradability of CEOR chemicals is pivotal in aligning the petroleum industry with eco-conscious practices. By addressing the challenge of suboptimal oil extraction, we endeavour to spotlight how cutting-edge research is propelling the evolution of novel approaches in CEOR.
To gather further insights into the fundamental chemistry of CEOR, we welcome original research articles, perspectives and reviews addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Innovative Chemical Compositions: Emphasizing the synthesis and characterization of chemical agents, surfactants, and polymers tailored to elevate oil recovery under harsh conditions.
- Interfacial Phenomena: Investigating the intricacies of interactions at the interfaces between oil, water, and rock, and their impact on CEOR efficiency.
This research topic aims to delve into the latest advancements in CEOR from a fundamental chemistry perspective. The primary goal is to illuminate how chemical processes and formulations are reshaping oil recovery methodologies and enhancing production rates. This includes exploring novel chemical structures, functional groups, and molecular architectures that enhance the performance of chemicals employed in CEOR processes. Additionally, investigating the environmental impact and biodegradability of CEOR chemicals is pivotal in aligning the petroleum industry with eco-conscious practices. By addressing the challenge of suboptimal oil extraction, we endeavour to spotlight how cutting-edge research is propelling the evolution of novel approaches in CEOR.
To gather further insights into the fundamental chemistry of CEOR, we welcome original research articles, perspectives and reviews addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Innovative Chemical Compositions: Emphasizing the synthesis and characterization of chemical agents, surfactants, and polymers tailored to elevate oil recovery under harsh conditions.
- Interfacial Phenomena: Investigating the intricacies of interactions at the interfaces between oil, water, and rock, and their impact on CEOR efficiency.
Keywords: Chemical EOR, Surfactants, Polymers, Interfacial Phenomenon, Surface Chemistry
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
