Synthesis of Hematite-Zeolite Nanocomposites and Its Application as Catalyst in Aquathermolysis Reaction in Intermediate Crude Oil

Abstract

Non-conventional crude oil has 70% of total heavy crude oil reserves and potentially as an energy source. The enhancement of non-conventional crude oil production can be done by utilizing the Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technique with aquathermolysis reaction. The nanocomposite of Activated Hematite-Zeolite has the best properties as a catalyst to provide aquathermolysis on crude oil. These materials were successfully synthesized by using the microwave-assisted co-precipitation method. The XRD pattern represents mixing both hematite and zeolite in mordenite structure at 2θ equal 6.57^o; 9.77^o; 19.65^o; 22.36^o; 25.72^o; 26.36^o and at 30.1^o; 35.6^o; 40.9^o, respectively. A reduction in a viscosity of crude oil occured after the aquathermolysis test was run by nanocomposites about 30.03% and simultaneously enhance the ratio of C-H saturated. Hence, it had improved crude oil quality with larger molecules in crude oil divided into small molecules due to breaking C-C bonds.