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Nanoscale pinning effect evaluated from deformed nanobubbles.
Hideaki Teshima1, Takashi Nishiyama1, Koji Takahashi1
1Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Kyushu University, Nishi-Ku, Motooka 744, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|January 9, 2017
Summary
Nanobubble stability, defying classical theory, is explained by a pinning force acting on the contact line. This force flattens nanobubbles, preventing collapse and explaining their prolonged existence.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical chemistry
Background:
- Classical thermodynamics predicts rapid disappearance of nanosized bubbles.
- Observed nanobubble stability suggests mechanisms beyond current theory.
- Substrate heterogeneities and contact line pinning are proposed explanations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nanobubble stability mechanism.
- To quantify the pinning force and its effect on nanobubble shape.
- To explain nanobubble metastability and generation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized peak force quantitative nano-mechanical mapping.
- Studied nanobubbles at a highly ordered pyrolytic graphite/pure water interface.
- Estimated pinning force and observed nanobubble shape dynamics.
Main Results:
- Introduced and quantified a
- pinning force
- responsible for nanobubble stability.
- Observed that pinned contact lines lead to decreased height and increased contact angle during shrinking.
- Demonstrated pinning force explains metastability in coalesced nanobubbles.
- Proposed a nanobubble generation mechanism linked to pinning force.
Conclusions:
- Nanobubble stability is attributed to a pinning force that counteracts Laplace pressure.
- The pinning force flattens nanobubbles by stabilizing the three-phase contact line.
- This mechanism explains the longevity and observed shapes of nanobubbles, including coalesced structures.
