The development of
sustainable, cost-efficient, and high-performance
nanofluids is one of the current research topics within drilling applications.
The inclusion of tailorable nanoparticles offers the possibility of
formulating water-based fluids with enhanced properties, providing
unprecedented opportunities in the energy, oil, gas, water, or infrastructure
industries. In this work, the most recent and relevant findings related
with the development of customizable nanofluids are discussed, focusing
on those based on the incorporation of 2D (two-dimensional) nanoparticles
and environmentally friendly precursors. The advantages and drawbacks
of using 2D layered nanomaterials including but not limited to silicon
nano-glass flakes, graphene, MoS
2
, disk-shaped Laponite
nanoparticles, layered magnesium aluminum silicate nanoparticles,
and nanolayered organo-montmorillonite are presented. The current
formulation approaches are listed, as well as their physicochemical
characterization: rheology, viscoelastic properties, and filtration
properties (fluid losses). The most influential factors affecting
the drilling fluid performance, such as the pH, temperature, ionic
strength interaction, and pressure, are also debated. Finally, an
overview about the simulation at the microscale of fluids flux in
porous media is presented, aiming to illustrate the approaches that
could be taken to supplement the experimental efforts to research
the performance of drilling muds. The information discussed shows
that the addition of 2D nanolayered structures to drilling fluids
promotes a substantial improvement in the rheological, viscoelastic,
and filtration properties, additionally contributing to cuttings removal,
and wellbore stability and strengthening. This also offers a unique
opportunity to modulate and improve the thermal and lubrication properties
of the fluids, which is highly appealing during drilling operations.