Diffusive shielding stabilizes bulk nanobubble clusters

TL;DR

This study uses molecular dynamics to demonstrate that nanobubble clusters are stabilized by a diffusive shielding effect, preventing dissolution when bubbles are sufficiently close, with simple diffusion models aligning with simulation results.

Contribution

It reveals that bubble-bubble shielding in clusters stabilizes nanobubbles, providing new insights into their nucleation and stability mechanisms.

Findings

Nanobubbles are stable in clusters when interspacing is small.

Diffusion calculations match simulation results, confirming the shielding effect.

Cluster formation influences nanobubble stability against dissolution.

Abstract

Using molecular dynamics, we study the nucleation and stability of bulk nanobubble clusters. We study the formation, growth, and final size of bulk nanobubbles. We find that, as long as the bubble-bubble interspacing is small enough, bulk nanobubbles are stable against dissolution. Simple diffusion calculations provide an excellent match with the simulation results, giving insight into the reason for the stability: nanobubbles in a cluster of bulk nanobubbles "protect" each other from diffusion by a shielding effect.