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Phase Diagram Characterization Using Magnetic Beads as Liquid Carriers
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Density functional theory of gas-liquid phase separation in dilute binary mixtures
Ryuichi Okamoto1, Akira Onuki2
1Department of Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan.
Summary
Stable nanobubbles form in liquids due to phase separation of dissolved gases. This study uses density functional theory to explain nanobubble formation and dynamics, finding surface tension decreases with solute adsorption.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Thermodynamics
Background:
- Phase separation in binary mixtures is crucial for understanding material properties.
- The formation of nanobubbles in liquids is a widely observed phenomenon.
- Solute-solvent interactions and chemical potentials govern phase behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the statics and dynamics of phase-separated states in dilute binary mixtures.
- To explain the formation mechanism of stable nanobubbles in liquids using theoretical models.
- To analyze the relationship between interfacial properties and nanobubble stability.
Main Methods:
- Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to model the system.
- Calculations of density and stress profiles across planar and spherical interfaces were performed.
- The free energy functional was minimized to identify stable configurations.
Main Results:
- Phase separation is induced at low solute densities, leading to gaseous states even above the solvent's coexistence curve.
- Stable solute-rich nanobubbles with radii around 30 nm were realized.
- Surface tension decreases with increasing interfacial solute adsorption.
- Nanobubbles exhibit damped oscillations after decompression of the surrounding liquid.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a theoretical explanation for the formation of stable nanobubbles in liquids.
- Interfacial solute adsorption significantly influences surface tension and bubble stability.
- The dynamics of nanobubbles involve damped oscillations, consistent with theoretical predictions.
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