 This paper provides an overview of the latest studies on using nanoparticles to enhance oil recovery through mechanisms such as disjoining pressure, viscosity increase, preventing asphaltine precipitation, wet ability alteration and interfacial tension reduction. It also reviews novel nanoassisted EOR methods targeting thermal, chemical and gas methods, identifies challenges and opportunities for future study regarding application of nanoparticles in EOR processes. This article was authored by Xiaofei Sun, Yin Yu Zhang, Guampeng Chen and others.