Polyacrylamide-Based Solutions: A Comprehensive Review on Nanomaterial Integration, Supramolecular Design, and Sustainable Approaches for Integrated Reservoir Management

Abstract

Maximizing hydrocarbon recovery from mature and complex reservoirs is constrained by heterogeneity, sand production, and harsh operational conditions. While polyacrylamide (PAM)-based systems are pivotal in addressing these challenges, a comprehensive synthesis of their transformative evolution and multifunctional capabilities remains overdue. This review critically analyzes advancements in PAM-based materials for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), conformance control, and sand management. We show that nanomaterial integration (e.g., magnetic NPs, nanoclays) significantly augments PAM's rheological control, thermal and salinity stability, interfacial properties, and wettability alteration. Furthermore, the emergence of supramolecular chemistry has endowed PAM systems with unprecedented resilience, enabling self-healing and adaptive performance under extreme subsurface conditions. The review highlights a crucial paradigm shift towards integrated reservoir management, synergizing these advanced chemical designs with mechanical strategies and leveraging sophisticated monitoring and predictive analytics. Critically, innovations in sustainable and bio-inspired PAM materials offer environmentally responsible solutions with enhanced biodegradability. This synthesis provides a holistic understanding of the state of the art. Despite persistent challenges in scalability and predictability, continually re-engineered PAM systems are positioned as an indispensable and increasingly sustainable cornerstone for future hydrocarbon recovery in the complex energy landscape.

Keywords: conformance control; enhanced oil recovery (EOR); harsh environments; nanomaterials; polyacrylamide; sand management; supramolecular polymers; sustainable solutions.

Figure 1

Structure of acrylamide monomer.

Figure 2

Evolution and application spectrum of polyacrylamide-based systems for integrated reservoir management.

Figure 3

Chemical structures and synthesis of key polyacrylamide derivatives. (A) The structure of the non-ionic parent polymer, polyacrylamide (PAM). The primary derivatives are formed via copolymerization: (B) anionic/partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) is a copolymer of acrylamide and sodium acrylate; (C) cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) is formed with a cationic co-monomer like diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DMD); (D) sulfonated polyacrylamide is formed with a thermally stable co-monomer like AMPS; and (E) hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide (HAPAM) is a terpolymer incorporating acrylamide, anionic, and hydrophobic units.

Figure 4

Historical timeline of key milestones in the development of polyacrylamide-based systems for oil and gas applications. The progression is marked by distinct eras: the Pioneering Era established the proof of concept for HPAM in EOR. The Optimization Era focused on large-scale deployment and the development of gels (in situ and PPGs) for conformance control. The Harsh Conditions Era saw the commercialization of advanced copolymers (sulfonated and hydrophobically modified) to overcome thermal and salinity limitations. The Modern Era is characterized by advanced functionalization through nanotechnology and the emergence of smart systems, including supramolecular, self-healing, and sustainable bio-inspired polymers.

Figure 5

Types of polymer networks: linear, branched, crosslinked, and networked.

Figure 6

Sand consolidation agent’s effect in unconsolidated sand [58].

Figure 7

Schematic diagram of the mechanism of Fe3O4@PEI nanoparticle modulation of PAM-PEI gel structure and properties from [59].

Figure 8

Multifunctional roles of nanoparticles in enhancing PAM-based systems.

Figure 9

Conceptual figure of different polymer architectures. (a) Conventional polymers are formed by strong, irreversible covalent bonds. (b) Supramolecular polymers are assembled through dynamic and reversible non-covalent interactions. (c) Dynamic covalent polymers are linked by reversible covalent bonds, combining covalent robustness with a dynamic character) [81].

Figure 10

Challenges and future outlook of next-generation PAM-based systems in reservoir management.