Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to nanocomposites for detecting hydrocarbons in a geological structure. In some embodiments, the nanocomposites include: a core particle; a polymer associated with the core particle; a sulfur-based moiety associated with the polymer; and a releasable probe molecule associated with the core particle, where the releasable probe molecule is releasable from the core particle upon exposure to hydrocarbons. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of detecting hydrocarbons in a geological structure by utilizing the nanocomposites of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to nanocomposites for detecting hydrocarbons in a geological structure. In some embodiments, the nanocomposites include: a core particle; a polymer associated with the core particle; a sulfur-based moiety associated with the polymer; and a releasable probe molecule associated with the core particle, where the releasable probe molecule is releasable from the core particle upon exposure to hydrocarbons. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of detecting hydrocarbons in a geological structure by utilizing the nanocomposites of the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cleaning composition in the form of a microemulsion, comprising (a) 5-95% by weight a surfactant with a HLB greater than 8, (b) 0.1-95% by weight of one or more hydrophobic liquids having a net log p value greater than 3.0 and a water solubility less than 0.1%, and (c) 0.05-95% by weight water. Superior cleaning of both oily and particulate soil could be obtained when using a microemulsion of the present invention.