PhD Student: On the fundamentals of bulk nanobubble stability and the development of sustainable water treatment technologies in Zürich

The  (MTSN) is in the (D-MAVT). We are looking for a PhD student in the areas of water, interfacial phenomena, and thermodynamics. This position is funded by a Swiss National Science Foundation Grant.

Nanobubbles on surfaces (surface nanobubbles) and in bulk liquids (bulk nanobubbles, diameters < 100 nm) are expected to dissolve quickly due to the fast kinetics of gas dissolution, which is driven by high Laplace pressures. Despite this, previous work has shown how surface nanobubbles can overcome this obstacle and be stabilized by contact line pinning, which can result from intrinsic nanoscale physical roughness or chemical heterogeneity of the substrate, allowing the curvature of the nanobubble to decrease while outgassing and reducing the Laplace pressure. Recent experimental evidence and theoretical work support the existence of nanobubbles in bulk liquids­, although the evidence is not definitive. Furthermore, absent a surface, the mechanism of bulk nanobubble metastability must be very different from surface nanobubbles. In this interdisciplinary Swiss NSF project, we aim to create an integrated science base for how environmental conditions affect bulk nanobubble formation, metastability, dissolution, and transport at the single bubble level through experimental and theoretical investigations.

The focus of this PhD will be on developing a scientific base for how environmental conditions influence the onset of bulk nanobubble nucleation, growth, and stability. The student will have the unique opportunity to learn, develop, and apply a range of cutting-edge micro/nanoengineering techniques and advanced experimental characterization methods. Surfaces will be fabricated guided by theory as will the necessary new diagnostics that we will develop. Findings here will address an important challenge for applications at the water-energy nexus.

Only individuals with a Master's degree (or equivalent) in engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics or related areas from an internationally recognized institution and an excellent academic record will be considered. A strong interest in experimental work is required and previous experience with experimental work is an advantage.

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