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Metastable Nanobubbles
Tapio Vehmas1, Lasse Makkonen1
1VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, P.O. Box 1000, 02044 VTT Espoo, Finland.
ACS Omega
|April 5, 2021
Summary
Stable nanobubbles in water persist for weeks, defying classical theory. This study explains their longevity using thermodynamic principles, showing dissolution is nonspontaneous for bubbles below specific diameters.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Colloid and Surface Science
Background:
- Suspended nanobubbles in water exhibit remarkable stability, lasting weeks.
- Classical bubble stability theory predicts dissolution within microseconds for nanosized bubbles.
- Existing explanations for nanobubble longevity lack universal acceptance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To derive a thermodynamic explanation for the existence of metastable nanobubbles.
- To elucidate the factors governing nanobubble dissolution and stability.
Main Methods:
- Thermodynamic analysis of bubble stability.
- Calculation of energy requirements for gas dissolution in aqueous media.
- Investigation of surface effects on nanobubble stability.
Main Results:
- Aqueous bulk nanobubbles with diameters below 180 nm are thermodynamically nonspontaneous to dissolve.
- Hydrophobic surfaces significantly enhance nanobubble stability.
- Surface nanobubbles with diameters below 600 nm exhibit nonspontaneous dissolution.
Conclusions:
- The longevity of nanobubbles is explained by thermodynamic principles, specifically the energy barrier to gas dissolution.
- Metastable nanobubbles are a consequence of fundamental thermodynamic constraints.
- Surface properties play a crucial role in stabilizing nanobubbles, extending their lifetime considerably.
