Dynamic Processes of Nanobubbles: Growth, Collapse, and Coalescence

Nanobubbles are typically classified as gas/vapor phase cavities in an aqueous solution with a characteristic length of approximately 100 nanometers (nm). The theoretical lifetime of these nanobubbles has been estimated to be less than ∼1 μs at a diameter of 100 nm based upon the Young-Laplace pressure, but experimental observations have been reported that indicate that they may exist for many hours, or even days. These nanobubbles can be generated by a number of different methods, such as solvent exchange, pressure and/or temperature variations, chemical reactions, or through the electron beam radiolysis of water. The imaging methods utilized to observe these nanobubbles have evolved from low temporal resolution/high spatial resolution, using atomic force microscopy (AFM); or low spatial resolution/high temporal resolution, using optical microscopy (X-rays); or finally, high spatial/high temporal resolution using more recent electron microscopy techniques. A review of the various methods utilized in the nucleation of nanobubbles and the different imaging technologies utilized, along with a summary of the most recent experimental and theoretical investigations of the dynamic behavior and processes of these nanobubbles, including nanobubble growth, nanobubble collapse, and nanobubble coalescence, are presented, discussed and summarized.