Abstract: A composition of matter includes a liquid and nanoparticles suspended in the liquid. The nanoparticles each include silica, alumina, and an organosilicon functional group having a molecular weight of at least 200. A method includes functionalizing a surface of nanoparticles with an organosilicon functional group and dispersing the nanoparticles in a liquid to form a suspension. The functional group has a molecular weight of at least 200. The nanoparticles each include silica and alumina at a surface thereof.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons comprises introducing a suspension comprising nanoparticles to a material and contacting surfaces of the material with the suspension. After introducing the suspension comprising the nanoparticles to the material, the method further includes introducing at least one charged surfactant to the material and removing hydrocarbons from the material. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the nanoparticles may be introduced to the material prior to introduction of the surfactant to the material. Related methods of recovering hydrocarbons from a material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons comprises introducing a suspension comprising nanoparticles to a material and contacting surfaces of the material with the suspension. After introducing the suspension comprising the nanoparticles to the material, the method further includes introducing at least one charged surfactant to the material and removing hydrocarbons from the material. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the nanoparticles may be introduced to the material prior to introduction of the surfactant to the material. Related methods of recovering hydrocarbons from a material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition of matter includes a liquid and nanoparticles suspended in the liquid. The nanoparticles each include silica, alumina, and an organosilicon functional group having a molecular weight of at least 200. A method includes functionalizing a surface of nanoparticles with an organosilicon functional group and dispersing the nanoparticles in a liquid to form a suspension. The functional group has a molecular weight of at least 200. The nanoparticles each include silica and alumina at a surface thereof.

Abstract: A composition of matter includes a liquid and nanoparticles suspended in the liquid. The nanoparticles each include silica, alumina, and an organosilicon functional group having a molecular weight of at least 200. A method includes functionalizing a surface of nanoparticles with an organosilicon functional group and dispersing the nanoparticles in a liquid to form a suspension. The functional group has a molecular weight of at least 200. The nanoparticles each include silica and alumina at a surface thereof.

Abstract: A composition of matter includes a liquid and nanoparticles suspended in the liquid. The nanoparticles each include silica, alumina, and an organosilicon functional group having a molecular weight of at least 200. A method includes functionalizing a surface of nanoparticles with an organosilicon functional group and dispersing the nanoparticles in a liquid to form a suspension. The functional group has a molecular weight of at least 200. The nanoparticles each include silica and alumina at a surface thereof.

Abstract: Flow control devices for regulating fluid flow from a subterranean formation by utilizing materials containing hydrophilic surfaces in a flow path of formation fluids. The flow control device comprises a tubular body, a flow path, and a material having a hydrophilic surface disposed within the flow path to restrict the flow of water. Methods of making and systems utilizing the flow control devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons comprises introducing a suspension comprising nanoparticles to a material and contacting surfaces of the material with the suspension. After introducing the suspension comprising the nanoparticles to the material, the method further includes introducing at least one charged surfactant to the material and removing hydrocarbons from the material. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the nanoparticles may be introduced to the material prior to introduction of the surfactant to the material. Related methods of recovering hydrocarbons from a material are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a composition including a plurality of coated diamond nanoparticles, each diamond nanoparticle may have at least one silane functional group covalently bonded to a surface thereof. A method of forming coated diamond nanoparticles may include functionalizing surfaces of diamond nanoparticles with at least one of a fluorine-containing compound and an oxidant; dispersing the functionalized diamond nanoparticles in a solvent comprising a silane functional group; and forming covalent bonds between the silane functional group and the diamond nanoparticles. A method of forming a diamond coating may include depositing the diamond nanoparticles over a substrate.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation comprises introducing a suspension comprising at least one of silica nanoparticles or aluminum silicate nanoparticles into a subterranean formation and contacting surfaces of the subterranean formation with the suspension to form a layer of the at least one of silica nanoparticles or aluminum silicate nanoparticles on at least some surfaces of the subterranean formation. After introducing the suspension comprising the at least one of silica nanoparticles or aluminum silicate nanoparticles into the subterranean formation, the method further includes introducing a solution comprising at least one anionic surfactant into the subterranean formation and extracting hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the nanoparticles may be introduced into the subterranean formation prior to introduction of the surfactant into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a hydrocarbon material from a mined material comprises forming a colloidal dispersion comprising solid particles and a carrier fluid. The colloidal dispersion is mixed with a mined, hydrocarbon-containing material to form an emulsion stabilized by the solid particles. At least one property of the emulsion is modified to destabilize the emulsion. Additional methods of obtaining a hydrocarbon material from a mined material, and a stabilized emulsion are also described.

Abstract: Flow control devices for regulating fluid flow from a subterranean formation by utilizing materials containing hydrophilic surfaces in a flow path of formation fluids. The flow control device comprises a tubular body, a flow path, and a material having a hydrophilic surface disposed within the flow path to restrict the flow of water. Methods of making and systems utilizing the flow control devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a hydrocarbon material from a mined material comprises forming a colloidal dispersion comprising solid particles and a carrier fluid. The colloidal dispersion is mixed with a mined, hydrocarbon-containing material to form an emulsion stabilized by the solid particles. At least one property of the emulsion is modified to destabilize the emulsion. Additional methods of obtaining a hydrocarbon material from a mined material, and a stabilized emulsion are also described.