Nanobubble–Nanoparticle Interactions in Bulk Solutions

Nanobubbles form stable colloids in supersaturated solutions. Here we demonstrate the ability of these solutions to interact with Au nanoparticle suspensions. The principle goal was to demonstrate particle modification, similar to froth flotation, and we do indeed see bubble–particle interactions. However, unlike in froth flotation, where bubble–particle interactions are driven mainly through collisions, for bulk nanobubble solutions we find that the principle interaction is through nucleation of new nanobubbles on the particles.