Nowadays

energy supply is one of the most important issues due to limitation of oil

gas and coal sources. Because of rapid population

civilization and energy consumption growth

the improved technologies to make optimal use of the sources

solving related problems and finding new energy sources are important. More than 10 years ago

nanotechnology as one of the most important technologies has also been applied to progress in the oil and gas industry (upstream

midstream and downstream). The experience of these years has shown that application of nanotechnology in the oil industry improves the exploration of crude oil and natural gas (underground or deep water)

drilling and bringing the crude oil or raw natural gas to the surface

as well as transportation

storage

processing and purifying methods. Nanoparticles with high specific surface area

pore volume and small size show unique physical and chemical properties

which could be applied in several applications. In this regard

many researchers have been focused on various nanoparticles for upstream industries and studied their potential in oil exploration

drilling

production and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Also

in downstream and midstream which involve refining of crude oil

processing and purifying of raw natural gas

transportation and storage of crude or refined petroleum products

the nanomaterials have been used to improve the quality of oil and make it appropriate for the environment. Lowering sulfur gasoline

enhancing the octane number and coating the transportation system are among the goals that have been achieved successfully using nanotechnology. In this work

various types of nanoparticles such as metallic

metal oxide

hybrid nanoparticles

carbon nanomaterials

nano-composites and their applications in oil upstream industry are reviewed. Also

their usage in different types of oil upstream processes is discussed.