New research led by Dr. Hamidreza Samouei at Texas A&M University is uncovering the stability of nanobubbles and their practical applications across various sectors, including hydroponics, batteries, and wastewater treatment. Nanobubbles, which are significantly smaller than regular bubbles, remain stable in solutions, allowing them to retain gases, such as oxygen, for longer periods. This enhanced stability benefits hydroponic farming, where increased oxygen levels in water promote healthier, larger crops.
The research highlights the importance of understanding the electric charges of nanobubbles and their interactions with solvents to maximize their stability. By injecting gases at the industrial scale, it is crucial to ensure these gases remain in solution efficiently, optimizing their use in chemical reactions.
Furthermore, nanobubbles can play a vital role in brine mining, a process for extracting minerals like lithium, used in batteries. By increasing carbon dioxide concentrations with nanobubbles, researchers aim to enhance mining practices. The findings contribute to ongoing research and offer a promising avenue for improving agricultural practices and industrial processes, as detailed in the publication “Polarizing Perspectives” in The Journal of Physical Chemistry.
