journal article·2025-01-24Open access

Micro-Nanobubble Technology in Surface Cleaning and Defouling

Baljinder Singh, Gunwoo Park, Ja-Hyoung Ryu, Myoung-Hwan Park

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 3

Abstract

The physicochemical characteristics of micro- and nanobubbles (MNBs) have attracted considerable interest owing to their potential use in various industries, such as water treatment, agriculture, healthcare, and environmental remediation. This review focuses on the functions of MBs and, mainly, NBs in cleaning and defouling applications by thoroughly examining the mechanics of their stability, generation, and interaction with surfaces. Wastewater treatment, biofilm removal, and membrane fouling avoidance are cutting-edge techniques that use MNBs to improve cleaning effectiveness. Notably, this review highlights that microbubbles and nanobubbles can be used together synergistically or applied separately based on specific application needs. This review emphasizes how MNB technology can be integrated with other systems, such as bioremediation and sophisticated oxidation processes, to address challenging cleaning issues. The capacity of MNBs to lower operating costs; their impact on the environment; and their synergistic effects with chemical, biological, and physical agents are highlighted. To maximize the use of MNBs in environmentally friendly cleaning technologies, this review offers insights into the new horizons of MB and NB applications by synthesizing recent discoveries and suggesting directions for further studies and industrial-scale deployment.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Minerals Flotation and Separation Techniques

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Chemistry, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea

Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea

N to B Co., Ltd., Business Incubator Center, Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea

Funding

Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs

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