Trends in the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles through reverse microemulsions in hydrocarbon media

•We touch on thermochemical microemulsion mediated way for nanoparticle synthesis.•The method simulates the process of in situ nanocatalyst formation in petroleum.•We summarize variables of the synthesis regarding nanoparticle size control.•High stabilizing efficiency of native petroleum surfactants has been found.

In recent years, more and more attention is given to production and use of nanoparticles dispersed in hydrocarbon medium and synthesized in reverse microemulsions. In this article the data and research results on synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles in reverse microemulsions are summarized. The major attention is paid to thermochemical approach for nanoparticle synthesis in reverse microemulsions with precursors of Мо, Al, Ni, Co and Fe oxides being active components of the catalysts for petroleum chemistry and refinery. A high efficiency of native crude oil surfactants for the production of catalyst nanoparticles in reverse microemulsions has been found.

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