Temperature Dependence of Surface Nanobubbles

The temperature dependence of nanobubbles was investigated experimentally using atomic force microscopy. By scanning the same area of the surface at temperatures from 51 °C to 25 °C it was possible to track geometrical changes of individual nanobubbles as the temperature was decreased. Interestingly, nanobubbles of the same size react differently to this temperature change; some grow whilst others shrink. This effect cannot be attributed to Ostwald ripening, since the growth and shrinkage of nanobubbles appears to occur in distinct patches on the substrate. The total nanobubble volume per unit area shows a maximum around 33 °C, which is comparable with literature where experiments were carried out with increasing temperature. This underlines the stability of surface nanobubbles. Some like it hot: The temperature dependence of nanobubbles is investigated experimentally using atomic force microscopy. By scanning the same area of the surface at different temperatures, it is possible to track geometrical changes of individual nanobubbles as the temperature is decreased (see picture for the distribution at 45 °C). This underlines the stability of surface nanobubbles.