How Nanobubbles Enable Solutions to Retain Gas and Control Foaming

Moleaer Science Lab

One of the fascinating properties of nanobubbles is their exceptional ability to help solutions hold dissolved gas in liquids.

In this experiment, we compare the “fizziness” of nanobubble water versus deionized water, demonstrating the remarkable ability of nanobubbles to enable the water to retain more gas.  

What’s Happening in the Sparkling Cocktail Test? 

In this Moleaer Science Lab experiment, we use two glasses, each containing ethanol at the bottom. In one glass, we add deionized water, and in the other, deionized water treated with Moleaer’s nanobubble generator. Holding everything else constant, both glasses are vigorously shaken ten times. We observe what happens. 

• Deionized Water: in this beaker, the gas bubbles are generated during shaking due to lower gas solubility in ethanol. The bubbles quickly dissipate, and the water clears up. Another observation is the strong foaming caused by the presence of ethanol.
  
• Deionized Water with Nanobubbles: in contrast, when nanobubble water is shaken, the effect is clearly different. The water remains hazy for much longer as the gas bubble stays suspended. This is because nanobubbles can stabilize gas and bubbles, keeping it in the water for an extended time. 

Notice how the nanobubble water produces much less foam and dissipates quickly? In this experiment, nanobubbles discourage foam formation. Their hydrophobic nature allows them to interact with ethanol, producing foam control effects.  

Why It Matters: Nanobubbles and Gas Retention

The key to this experiment lies in the difference in gas solubility between deionized water and nanobubble water. Gas solubility in ethanol is about five times lower than in water, meaning gas escapes more easily when mixed with ethanol. Shaking accelerates the release of gas in water. 

But nanobubble water is different. The unique properties of nanobubbles – related to their small size and surface charge – allow them to keep the gas in the solution longer. This results in longer-lasting "fizz".  

The Takeaway: Real-World Applications of Moleaer Nanobubbles 

By keeping gas in solution longer, nanobubbles offer significant advantages in processes that require efficient gas transfer and retention, helping industries optimize their operations. For example:  

• Irrigation Water: nanobubbles improve oxygen levels in irrigation water, not only enabling growers to reach target dissolved oxygen levels cost effectively but also retain that dissolved oxygen longer and more uniformly all the way to the last sprinkler / dripper. 
  

• Aquaculture: In fish farming, Moleaer’s nanobubble technology increases and maintains elevated dissolved oxygen levels in water, supporting fish health and growth. Nanobubbles improve oxygen transfer efficiency, ensuring a more stable environment and reducing the risk of hypoxia. This not only enhances water quality but also boosts operational efficiency, leading to healthier fish and more sustainable farming practices.
  

• Ozone: Moleaer’s technology is a game-changer for the use of ozone because the high transfer efficiency and slower ozone decay enable a significant improvement in ozone’s contact time (and consequently oxidation processes), making ozone nanobubble more effective than ozone injected via more traditional methods.   

The foam control effects also have industry benefits. Defoaming helps prevent disruptions in production, improving efficiency and reducing operational challenges caused by foam. 

Explore how nanobubbles can transform your processes by optimizing gas solubility, enhancing gas transfer efficiency, and retaining dissolved gases. 

Interested in learning more about nanobubbles?

Explore how to measure, visualize, and study nanobubbles in The Science Behind Nanobubble Technology, a webinar co-hosted by scientists from Malvern Panalytical and Moleaer. 

👉 Watch the webinar to gain expert insights.
👉 Contact Moleaer to learn how nanobubbles can transform your operations.