The researchers have now described the potential benefits of
nanotechnology, which could change that perception. Mokhatab and
Towler point out that nanomaterials, such as nanotubes or engineered
porous minerals, might be used in the gas field or other source to
improve the efficiency of extraction of a wide variety of hydrocarbon
fuel compounds and chemical feedstocks.
Similarly, related nanomaterials might be used to improve purification
and storage of hydrocarbons, while yet other nanomaterials might be
used in environmental remediation, allowing contaminated sites to be
cleaned up of harmful pollutants. Nanomaterials might even be
developed as corrosion inhibitors for equipment and at the same time,
more sophisticated nanotechnology could be developed as solid-state
gas sensors for air pollution monitoring.
"The past decade has seen explosive growth worldwide in the synthesis
and study of a wide range of nanostructured materials, the building
blocks of nanotechnology," the researchers explain, "Investigations of
mechanical, chemical, electrical, magnetic, and optical behavior of
nanostructured materials have demonstrated the possibilities to
engineer the properties of these new materials for a wide range of
applications."
The researchers add that as readily accessible hydrocarbon reserves
become depleted, the oil and gas exploration and production industry
faces increasing technical challenges. These challenges boil down to
increased costs and limitations on drilling and production
technologies.
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