Time-resolved dynamics and characteristics of laser-generated nanobubbles in a colloidal suspension

Jelenčič, Miha (author), Orthaber, Uroš (author), Mur, Jaka (author), Petkovšek, Rok (author)

Hypothesis: Colloidal suspensions act as stabilizer agents against dissolution of bubbles, as well as interaction points for laser generation of nanobubbles. Gold nanoparticles were chosen as a well understood model colloid to study characteristics of laser-generated nanobubbles in a colloidal suspension. We hypothesise that the time-resolved dynamics of nanobubbles in existing works do not yet reflect the complete nanobubble dynamics and properties. Advancement in the field is possible by improving the understanding of interfacial phenomena, both interaction between colloids and laser light and nanobubbles on colloids. Experiments and simulations: We developed a method for analysing the lifecycle of nanobubbles starting with their laser-induced generation, following through with their initial oscillation until their dissolution using contactless optical methods. The work combines laser-generation of nanobubbles, their controlled expansion with isolated negative pressure shock waves, and Gilmore-model supported radius reconstruction. Findings: This experimental approach enabled us to reconstruct initial nanobubble sizes right after generation and their time evolution through the initial oscillation, recognizing the physical mechanisms behind the measured nanobubble properties. Threshold for nanobubble generation as well as nanobubble dissolution time as a function of colloid size was determined, and the efficiency of nanobubble generation with respect to the laser light intensity was measured. We demonstrate the capability to measure both the initial nanosecond scale nanobubble dynamics after laser-generation and their later dissolution on micro- to millisecond scales with a single method. The study advances the field of laser-generated nanobubbles with further implications for controlled nanobubble seeding in various environments.

• Language: English
• Keywords: nanobubbles, laser breakdown, shock waves, laser illumination, colloidal suspension, laser-induced bubbles, gold nanoparticles, bubble nucleation
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FS - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: 10 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 697, art. 137977
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-169772
• UDC: 621.375.826:535
• ISSN on article: 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2025.137977
• COBISS.SI-ID: 238900483
• Publication date in RUL: 10.06.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Journal of colloid and interface science
• Shortened title: J. colloid interface sci.
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1095-7103
• COBISS.SI-ID: 527041561

Licences

• License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
• Description: The most restrictive Creative Commons license. This only allows people to download and share the work for no commercial gain and for no other purposes.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: nanomehurčki, laserski preboj, udarni val, lasersko osvetljevanje, koloidna suspenzija

Projects

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Funding programme: University of Ljubljana, Interdisciplinary project
• Name: Green Urban Communities of the Future

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: P2-0270
• Name: Proizvodni sistemi, laserske tehnologije in spajanje materialov