Petroleum Chemistry

Petroleum is one of the most complex and critical chemical resources to the world. Asphaltenes comprise the heaviest, highly aromatic, and most polar component of petroleum and can substantially influence the overall properties of petroleum. However, many of the methods involved in extracting petroleum reserves disrupt the stability of asphaltenes, resulting in clogged tubing and equipment, which ultimately influence the cost and efficiency of oil product. In order to prevent asphaltene destabilization chemical inhibitors are frequently added during the extraction process. Despite the addition of inhibitors, asphaltene destabilization is still common. Our studies, funded through the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund, will examine the fundamental chemistry behind asphaltene-inhibitor interactions and provide a framework for new inhibitor design and improved performance based on the specific chemical profile of asphaltenes.