Effective Applications of Nanobubbles Using NanoSight and Zetasizer

Most scientists classify nanobubbles as bubbles with a diameter of about 100~200nm. At this size, nanobubbles are at the nanoscale and are not visible to the naked eye. It is difficult to accurately grasp the small size of nanobubbles. Nanobubbles typically contain gases such as air or oxygen, but any gas can be used. Due to their size and charge, nanobubbles exhibit unique properties that enhance numerous physical, chemical, and biological processes.

One of the main characteristics of nanobubbles is their neutral buoyancy. This means that nanobubbles can remain suspended in a liquid for several months without rising to the surface or releasing gas. Larger bubbles, like those visible to the naked eye in an aquarium, are much bigger and more buoyant, rising rapidly to the surface and escaping into the atmosphere.

The main difference between larger bubbles on the micrometer and millimeter scale is that ultrafine bubbles (ultrafine bubbles) are not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, establishing consistent and reliable generation and characterization methods is crucial for various applications.

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) technology via Malvern Panalytical’s NanoSight range is particularly suitable for detecting and analyzing (size, size distribution, number concentration) relatively low concentration nanobubble structures of extremely small sizes compared to ‘conventional’. NTA provides a unique capability to characterize nanobubbles by directly visualizing nanoscale particles in suspensions (10nm ~ 1000nm) with high resolution and minimal sample preparation in real-time. Malvern Panalytical’s NanoSight pioneered this technology and continues to be the choice of customers in the relevant industry.

Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS) technology via the Zetasizer range is key to understanding the colloidal stability of nanobubbles through zeta potential measurements. The overall effective charge of nanobubbles can be measured. Various gases can generally produce a negative charge between -20mV and -27mV. Adding salt lowers the absolute value due to Debye screening. The Zetasizer can measure the zeta potential of bubbles ranging from a few nanometers to 100 micrometers in diameter.

Over the past 10 months, Moleaer and Malvern Panalytical have collaborated to present a three-part nanobubble webinar series exploring the fundamental theories, formation, characterization, and various applications of nanobubbles. Postings containing answers to all questions raised during the webinar are also available. Read it now here. Clicking the link below allows you to watch the recorded nanobubble webinar series.

Blog: The Science Behind Nanobubbles – Webinar Series Q&A