About this Research Topic
The primary goal of this Research Topic is to delve into the latest advancements in CEOR from a fundamental chemistry perspective. The aim is to illuminate how chemical processes and formulations (based on surfactants, polymers, and alkaline) are reshaping oil recovery methodologies and enhancing production rates, as the chemistry behind their synthesis is critical in ensuring that they can effectively interact with the reservoir fluids and rock surfaces, thus optimizing the oil recovery process. As such, this includes exploring novel chemical structures, functional groups, and molecular architectures that enhance the performance of chemicals employed in CEOR processes, while 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 endeavor to spotlight how cutting-edge research is propelling the evolution of novel approaches in CEOR. The overarching objective is to emphasize the pivotal role of chemistry in shaping the future of oil recovery techniques.
In this Research Topic, we direct our attention to various facets of CEOR that underscore its fundamental chemistry aspects. The scope encompasses but is not confined to the following:
• Innovative Chemical Compositions: Emphasizing the synthesis and characterization of chemical agents, surfactants, and polymers tailored to elevate oil recovery at harsh conditions. Given the growing emphasis on sustainability, we encourage research that explores green chemistry principles in CEOR. This includes the development of environmentally friendly CEOR agents, the reduction of chemical waste, and the exploration of renewable resources for chemical synthesis.
• Interfacial Phenomena: Investigating the intricacies of interactions at the interfaces between oil, water, and rock, and their impact on CEOR efficiency, welcoming studies on the kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions between CEOR agents and reservoir components, such as minerals and organic matter.
• Mechanistic Insights: Providing comprehensive insights into the mechanisms driving CEOR processes, elucidating how chemical additives modify fluid dynamics and oil mobilization within reservoirs.
In summary, this Research Topic on Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery endeavors to offer a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the field, with a firm emphasis on the fundamental chemistry that forms the bedrock of these innovations. We extend an invitation to researchers, chemists, and engineers to contribute their expertise to this topic, fostering a deeper comprehension of CEOR and its potential to redefine the future of the petroleum industry.
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.