2021-03-022021-03-022020-12-29Pradhan, Sivaram, Wellington, Scott, Shammai, Houman and Wong, Michael, "Method for decomposing asphaltene using a supported catalyst." Patent US10876035B2. issued 2020-12-29. Retrieved from <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/110127">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/110127</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/110127Asphaltene produced during the production of hydrocarbons in an underground reservoir may be reduced and decomposed by introducing into the underground reservoir a fluid having a catalyst of from about 3 to about 7% Ni with a magnesium oxide support or a catalyst of from about 15 to about 25% tungsten oxide with a zirconium oxide support or a mixture thereof. The viscosity of heavy oil within the underground reservoir is reduced in the presence of the catalyst.14engUtility patentUS10876035B2