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Flash NanoPrecipitation for the Encapsulation of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Compounds in Polymeric Nanoparticles
Published on: January 7, 2019
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Ion adsorption stabilizes bulk nanobubbles.
Xiaotong Ma1, Mingbo Li1, Patricia Pfeiffer2
1Center for Combustion Energy, Key laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|September 7, 2021
Summary
The stability of bulk nanobubbles in electrolyte solutions is enhanced by charge accumulation at higher acidity or alkalinity. This study investigates nanobubble stability across various pH and ionic strengths.
Area of Science:
- Soft matter physics
- Surface science
- Physical chemistry
Background:
- The exceptional stability of bulk nanobubbles in aqueous solutions is not fully understood.
- Investigating nanobubble stability is crucial for applications in various scientific fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stability of bulk nanobubbles in electrolyte solutions under varying pH and ionic strengths.
- To explore the role of surface charge and ion interactions in nanobubble stabilization.
Main Methods:
- Nanobubbles were generated using ultrasonic cavitation.
- Characterization included size, number concentration, and zeta potential measurements.
- The DLVO theory and a modified Poisson-Boltzmann equation combined with a modified Langmuir adsorption model were employed.
Main Results:
- Nanobubbles demonstrated stability in both acidic and basic solutions, even far from the isoelectric point.
- Enhanced stability correlated with increased acidity or alkalinity due to net charge accumulation.
- A model was developed to describe the influence of ion species and concentration on nanobubble surface potential.
Conclusions:
- Surface charge accumulation, irrespective of sign, enhances nanobubble stability in electrolyte solutions.
- Discrepancies between theoretical models and experimental results highlight the need for understanding interfacial water dynamics at the atomic scale.

