Bulk nanobubbles, generation methods and potential applications

The existence of nanobubbles, especially bulk nanobubbles, remains a mystery mainly due to their stability and longevity, properties that are investigated by many research groups worldwide. At the same time, high efforts are given to develop new generation methods, and so far, their potential uses have spread to high-value applications. Some of them are relevant to drinking water and wastewater treatment, surface cleaning, biomedical, engineering, medical imaging but also in 'nutritional' applications such as fishery and agriculture. Although the bulk of nanobubbles generation methods are thorough and known well enough, a remarkable lag is still recorded concerning the detailed explanation of their formation, their special physicochemical properties, and the stability mechanisms. In this short review, a condensed description of the nanobubbles production methods, their major properties, and potential important applications are presented. Emphasis has been given to the results and findings during the research effort of the last four years.

Automated summary

The stability and longevity of nanobubbles, especially bulk nanobubbles, attract the attention of research groups worldwide, with a focus on developing new generation methods and exploring their potential high-value applications. While most methods of nanobubble generation are well understood, there is still a lack of detailed explanation regarding their formation process, special properties, and stability mechanisms.