Deep eutectic solvents as environment-friendly solvents for separation processes in the oil and gas industry

Abstract

Oil and gas are still the primary energy source in the world, despite the advancements in renewable energy. Many researchers showed chemical enhanced oil recovery, particularly surfactant is the most efficient method in many reservoirs. But most of these projects were not only commercially successful (due to high cost), but also involve environmental issues. Recently, Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) were discovered as a cheaper and greener alternative to conventional surfactants. DESs are cost-effective, easy to prepare, non-toxic, recyclable, biodegradable and environmental-friendly. Due to these advantages, DESs have found application in different fields including the oil and gas industry. The main applications of DESs in the oil and gas industry are separation processes such as dearomatization, desulfurization, purification of biodiesel and CO2 capture. In this paper, the performance of DESs in these processes was reviewed as a new environmentally friendly method. The study introduces a way forward for current challenges with environmental sustainability.