Production of ultrafine particles with nanometer size distribution via a bubble film bursting method

Producing particles smaller than 50 nm continues to be a challenge for commonly used atomization techniques. In the present study, an atomization method based on bubble film bursting was proposed to generate ultrafine nanoparticles. The atomization solution added with surfactant was converted to big bubble with thin film, and three needles were employed to puncture the bubbles to produce small droplets. Droplets formed ultrafine nanoparticles after being dried by a diffusion dryer. The results showed that the median diameter of particles generated by bubble film bursting could be as low as 30 nm. The thinness of the bubble film played a significant role in producing small droplets. Additionally, the size distribution of particles was influenced by the NaCl concentration and the distance of the needle to orifice, as they altered the thickness of the bubbles. The bubble film bursting atomization method offers the advantage of producing ultrafine particles and holds potential for application in various fields.