In-situ conversion of carbon dioxide into the light n-alkanes is based on the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide on the surface of heterogeneous catalysts. The catalysts based on transition metals such as Fe, Ni, Co, etc., which are widely applied in aquathermolysis of heavy oil can be active for carbon dioxide hydrogenation as well if the composition is modified by adding alkali metals. In this study, we used sodium as the most available reagent for industrial-scale application. The mineral surface of reservoir rocks plays the function of catalyst supports in case of using such catalysts in-situ. The active forms of the catalyst precursors – nanosized particles are adsorbed and retained on the surface of the reservoir minerals. The composition of the catalyst determines the reaction path and intensity of chemical reactions. The successful implementation of carbon dioxide hydrogenation requires the promotion of various reactions. Therefore, the presence of various active centers in the structure of the catalysts is an important factor. The increase of hydrocarbon chains is carried out primarily on the surface of carbide active centers, while hydrogenation of olefins and reversed water gas shift reaction preferably on the surface of metal oxides. Even less amount of newly formed n-alkanes can significantly reduce the viscosity of heavy oil and increases oil recovery factor. Along with conversion of carbon dioxide, the aquathermolytic upgrading of heavy oil is carried out that provides significant reduction of resins and asphaltenes. The proposed enhanced oil recovery method based on the technology of catalytic aquathermolysis has been successfully tested in oil fields. The modified nanoparticles expand the application of catalysis for the development of unconventional reservoirs. The multifunctional catalysts during the co-injection of steam and carbon dioxide promote not only in-situ generation of light n-alkanes, but also contribute to the partial utilization of injected carbon dioxide.
Acknowledgment. This paper has been supported by the Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University Strategic Academic Leadership Program (PRIORITY-2030) and LUKOIL PJSC.
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