Control of electrolysis-generated microbubbles for sensor surface passivation

This letter outlines our work in generating and controlling microbubbles as protective “lids” for samples collected from the environment. The fabrication method uses “strain architecture” to construct three-dimensional cages with high surface area. These structures confine the bubbles and perform as electrodes for electrochemical sample collection and electrolysis-based gas bubble generation. The focus of this article is on the interaction between the microcages and generated bubbles, including the bubble generation mechanism, bubble growth rate, response to hydrostatic pressure, effect of interfacial-tension modifying coatings, and long-term stability.