Free-Radical Generation from Bulk Nanobubbles in Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions: ESR Spin-Trap Observation of Microbubble-Treated Water

Microbubbles are very fine bubbles that shrink and collapse underwater within several minutes, leading to the generation of free radicals. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) confirmed the generation of hydroxyl radicals under strongly acidic conditions. The drastic environmental change caused by the collapse of the microbubbles may trigger radical generation via the dispersion of the elevated chemical potential that had accumulated around the gas-water interface. The present study also confirmed the generation of ESR signals from the microbubble-treated waters even after several months had elapsed following the dispersion of the microbubbles. Bulk nanobubbles were expected to be the source of the spin-adducts of hydroxyl radicals. Such microbubble stabilization and conversion might be caused by the formation of solid microbubble shells generated by iron ions in the condensed ionic cloud around the microbubble. Therefore, the addition of a strong acid might cause drastic changes in the environment and destroy the stabilized condition. This would restart the collapsing process, leading to hydroxyl radical generation.

Automated summary

Microbubbles collapse underwater, generating free radicals such as hydroxyl radicals, especially under strongly acidic conditions. The environmental changes caused by the collapse of microbubbles may trigger radical generation by dispersing accumulated chemical potential. Experiments also show that ESR signals can still be detected in water treated with microbubbles even months after their dispersion, indicating the potential role of iron ions in stabilizing and converting microbubbles.