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The refinement of nanoscale physical parameters of source rocks has benefitted from continuous innovations in technology and methods. Traditional methods for detecting reservoir physical properties are limited by the properties of the instruments. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides new methods and approaches for furthering our understanding and exploring the nanoscale world. Its wide range of applications and gradually developed multiscenario application modes make it an ideal tool for the characterization of nanoscale physical properties of source rocks (coal, shale, mudstone, sandstone, etc.). We highlight the advantages of AFM in regard to performing nondestructive 3D imaging and mechanical property measurements with nanoscale resolution in any desired environment (air, vacuum, liquid). The limitations of AFM applied to source rocks are also summarized. The process has great potential in micro/nanopore characterization, surface morphology characterization, in situ micromechanical property acquisition, wettability research, and so on. The gradual development and improvement of this new model will expand new methods, bring enlightenment to basic research on unconventional oil and gas resources, and provide a scientific basis for the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas resources.

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