Oil
well stimulation treatments have been employed to improve the
productivity index, either by imposing a negative skin effect through
hydraulic fracturing or by reducing a positive skin effect using matrix
acidizing. The commonly used stimulation fluids are polymer-based,
viscoelastic surfactant-based, emulsion (oil)-based, and foam-based.
The stability and performance efficiency of the stimulation fluids
under harsh conditions of high temperature and high pressures have
remained a critical factor. Thus, in recent times, the incorporation
of nanoparticles (NPs) as additives in the fluid formulation has received
significant attention. NPs have been reported as rheology modifiers,
cross-linking agents, gel breakers, leakoff control additives, foam
stabilizers, proppant surface modifiers, and emulsion stabilizers
in different types of stimulation fluids. In this review, we discuss
the application of nanoparticles in different types of stimulation
fluids. The different roles of nanoparticles are highlighted. Factors
affecting the performance of nanoparticles in stimulation fluids are
also covered. Although laboratory experiments have shown the exceptional
performance of nanoparticles, the field application of different nanoparticles
in stimulation fluids is still limited.