Kinetic and thermodynamic equilibrium of asphaltenes sorption onto nanoparticles of nickel oxide supported on nanoparticulated alumina

► Nanoparticles of nickel oxide supported on a nanoparticulated matrix of alumina (SHS) were prepared. ► Adsorption affinity increased with increasing the NiO content on the alumina surface. ► Alumina-SHS nanomaterials can be used as excellent adsorbents for light and heavy oil upgrading. ► Complete asphaltenes sorption on Alumina-SHS can be achieved rapidly around 2 min. ► The asphaltenes sorption processes were analyzed in terms of isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamics models.