Synthesis of NixFe3-xO4 Nanoparticles by Microwave-Assisted Coprecipitation and Their Application on Viscosity Reduction of Heavy Oil

NixFe3-xO4 nanoparticles have been synthesized using microwave-assisted coprecipitation. The samples were prepared using FeCl3 center dot 6H(2)O, FeSO4 center dot 7H(2)O, NiCl2 center dot 6H(2)O, and NH4OH as precursors. The concentrated black precipitates were produced after the samples were heated in microwave 500 W 2.45 GHz for 3 minutes. According to X-Ray diffractogram, it was indicated that the NixFe3-xO4 was obtained. According to Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), it was shown that Ni0.3Fe2.7O4 nanoparticles have spherical morphology and average particle size about 43 nm. In this research, NixFe3-xO4 nanoparticles were applied as catalyst in the viscosity reduction of heavy oil via aquathermolysis. In catalytic activity test, Fe3O4 and Ni0.3Fe2.7O4 nanoparticles were added respectively to the mixture of water and heavy oil in autoclave on temperature 120 degrees C for 6 hours. Experimental result showed that the viscosity of heavy oil reduced 30% and 17% when Fe3O4 and Ni0.3Fe2.7O4 powders were added in aquathermolysis reaction, respectively.