Enhanced asphaltene degradation using piezocatalytic technology: A novel approach for sustainable oilfield operations

Abstract

Asphalt or oil spills containing asphaltene can contaminate soil, water bodies, and ecosystems. Natural balances are disrupted by this contamination. Asphaltene contaminates water sources such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers, making them unfit for human consumption. Aquatic habitats are damaged, and aquatic organisms cannot reproduce, grow, or maintain health. Air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter, are released when asphaltene-containing materials are burned. Here, we have developed a new method for the degradation of asphaltene that is fast, clean, and cost-effective. The asphaltene was degraded using NixMnyO piezo catalyst in this study. By using NixMnyO under mechanical force, the result showed that asphaltene was degraded to the extent of 94.7 %. Piezo based on NixMnyO has shown promising reusability when compared to conventional catalysts. Despite being used for 11 runs, it maintained 94% of its activity for 11 consecutive cycles. As well as analyzing the kinetics and thermodynamics of piezo asphaltene degradation, a mechanism pathway was developed for piezo degradation of asphaltene. Radical scavenger experiments showed that superoxide radicals, holes, and hydroxyl radicals are involved in the degradation of asphaltene by NixMnyO piezo catalysts. However, hydroxyl radicals and holes are responsible for the majority of asphaltene degradation.

Keywords

• Piezo catalyst
• Degradation
• Asphaltene
• Kinetic
• Mechanism