A Review of Asphaltenes: Composition, Structure, Properties, Behavior, and Applications
Tileuberdi Y. Kuoshiken U. Ongarbayev Y. Tulepov M. Shadin N. Sadirbekova D. Zhussupova L. Imanbayev Y. Zhambolova A.
June 2025Engineered Science Publisher
Engineered Science
2025#35
Asphaltenes are the highly aromatic and polar fractions of crude oil defined by their insolubility in n-alkanes and solubility in aromatics. They exhibit complex molecular compositions, broad molecular weight distributions, and a strong tendency to self-associate. Research using advanced analytical methods, like Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR MS), has shown that asphaltenes contain a lot of different atoms and structures, leading to the development of several molecular models, including the Yen–Mullins model and island/archipelago structures. Physiochemically, asphaltenes show high thermal stability and unique optical/electrical properties, and they play a key role in stabilizing water-in-oil emulsions. On the downside, asphaltene aggregation and deposition can cause serious flow assurance problems in petroleum production. This review comprehensively summarizes the composition, molecular structure, aggregation behavior, phase behavior, emulsification role, deposition mechanisms, and industrial handling of asphaltenes, including biodegradation. The aim is to provide an updated understanding of these complex substances and to discuss future outlooks for managing asphaltene-related challenges and harnessing their value.
Aggregation behavior , Applications , Asphaltenes , Composition , Phase behavior
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Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71, al-Farabi ave, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Laboratory of Petrochemical Procrsses, Institute of Сombustion Problems, 172, Bogenbai batyr str, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Institute of Natural Sciences and Geography, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, 13, Dostyk ave, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
Institute of Natural Sciences, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda State University, 60 Amangeldy Imanov Street, Kyzylorda, 120000, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
Laboratory of Petrochemical Procrsses
Institute of Natural Sciences and Geography
Institute of Natural Sciences
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