Abstract
The fact that tiny bubbles are easily formed on the rough, hydrophobic surface results in difficulties in bubble detachment and removal. We show that bubbles captured by porous superhydrophobic surfaces merge into larger ones, which can detach by buoyancy. The responsible mechanism is convective Ostwald ripening because networklike pores in the superhydrophobic film remain nonwetted and provide passage for gas flow between adhered bubbles. A large bubble grows spontaneously by absorbing all small adhered bubbles due to capillary pressure differences. Our results demonstrate that porous hydrophobic film can be an efficient, passive way of bubble removal in microfluidic systems.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
