The Importance of Nanobubbles in Materials Science and Engineering
|
|
Abstract:Nanobubbles typically have a diameter in the range of 20 to 1100 nm and can persist for weeks in aqueous environments. Recently, a first principles theory that explains these observations has shown that the process that makes stable nanobubbles seem improbable, microbubble shrinkage, is responsible for not only their metastability but also their remarkable longevity. This theory is based on the strong affinity hydroxyl ions have for gas-water interfaces and the repulsive forces they can produce against the surface tension on the surface of a shrinking nanobubble. Specifically, the ionic repulsion forces constitute a bubble expanding pressure can balance the shrinking pressure resulting from surface tension. We have also shown that nanobubbles can bind to embryonic nanoparticles below their solubility limit making them stable so that they do not dissolve back into solution [3]. Observed dissolution of salts in fouling deposits, such as calcium carbonate, has been attributed to this nanobubble/nanoparticle cluster formation phenomenon. Experimental evidence for this mechanism will also be presented. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) measurements of object size and relative scattering
intensity for water containing solid compounds such as CaCO3. The NTA results also suggest the formation of nanobubble−nanoparticle clusters. Finally, an earlier work will be reviewed which demonstrated that a nanobubble treatment led to the removal of tubercles on the inner walls of pipe samples. The implications of these phenomena for protecting structural materials as well as eliminating deleterious fouling materials will be discussed.
[1] M. Alheshibri, J. Qian, M. Jehannin, V. S. J. Craig, Langmuir 32, 11086 (2016).
[2] P. A. Satpute and J. C. Earthman, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 584, 449 (2021).
[3] N. Vu-Y Quach, A. Li, and J. C. Earthman, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 12, 43714 (2020).
[4] A A. Li, Y. Li, S. Qiu, P. M. Patel, Z. Chen and J. C. Earthman, “Reduction of Calcified Plaque Volume in Ex Vivo Pericardial Tissue, with Nanobubbles,” Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 217, 112666 (2022).
intensity for water containing solid compounds such as CaCO3. The NTA results also suggest the formation of nanobubble−nanoparticle clusters. Finally, an earlier work will be reviewed which demonstrated that a nanobubble treatment led to the removal of tubercles on the inner walls of pipe samples. The implications of these phenomena for protecting structural materials as well as eliminating deleterious fouling materials will be discussed.
[1] M. Alheshibri, J. Qian, M. Jehannin, V. S. J. Craig, Langmuir 32, 11086 (2016).
[2] P. A. Satpute and J. C. Earthman, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 584, 449 (2021).
[3] N. Vu-Y Quach, A. Li, and J. C. Earthman, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 12, 43714 (2020).
[4] A A. Li, Y. Li, S. Qiu, P. M. Patel, Z. Chen and J. C. Earthman, “Reduction of Calcified Plaque Volume in Ex Vivo Pericardial Tissue, with Nanobubbles,” Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 217, 112666 (2022).
Biography:
James Earthman is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. He received his B.S. degree in Materials Science from Rice University and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University. Prof. Earthman's research activities include studies of a broad range of deformation and damage mechanisms in both man-made and biological materials, the development of systems for novel quantitative diagnostics of material characteristics and integrity, and the dissolution of deleterious materials using nanobubbles. He has authored and co-authored over 120 peer-reviewed research publications including two chapters on biomaterials and tissue engineering and two chapters in materials handbooks published by ASM International. He is an inventor on eleven issued US patents, several international patents, and two pending US patents. He is also co-founder of Perimetrics, Inc., a diagnostic device company located in Seattle, WA and Newport Beach, CA. He has also served as editor for three books in the fields of Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering.
James Earthman is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. He received his B.S. degree in Materials Science from Rice University and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University. Prof. Earthman's research activities include studies of a broad range of deformation and damage mechanisms in both man-made and biological materials, the development of systems for novel quantitative diagnostics of material characteristics and integrity, and the dissolution of deleterious materials using nanobubbles. He has authored and co-authored over 120 peer-reviewed research publications including two chapters on biomaterials and tissue engineering and two chapters in materials handbooks published by ASM International. He is an inventor on eleven issued US patents, several international patents, and two pending US patents. He is also co-founder of Perimetrics, Inc., a diagnostic device company located in Seattle, WA and Newport Beach, CA. He has also served as editor for three books in the fields of Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering.
