Recent advances for understanding the role of nanobubbles in particles flotation

Fanfan Zhang; Lijuan Sun; Haichang Yang; Xiahui Gui; Holger Schönherr; Michael Kappl; Yijun Cao; Yaowen Xing

doi:10.1016/j.cis.2021.102403

Recent advances for understanding the role of nanobubbles in particles flotation

Adv Colloid Interface Sci. 2021 May:291:102403. doi: 10.1016/j.cis.2021.102403. Epub 2021 Mar 18.

Authors

Fanfan Zhang¹, Lijuan Sun¹, Haichang Yang¹, Xiahui Gui², Holger Schönherr³, Michael Kappl⁴, Yijun Cao⁵, Yaowen Xing⁶

Affiliations

¹ School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu, China.
² National Engineering Research Center of Coal Preparation and Purification, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu, China.
³ Physical Chemistry I & Research Center of Micro and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ), Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 2, Siegen 57076, Germany.
⁴ Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, Mainz 55128, Germany.
⁵ National Engineering Research Center of Coal Preparation and Purification, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450066, Henan, China). Electronic address: yijuncao@126.com.
⁶ National Engineering Research Center of Coal Preparation and Purification, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu, China. Electronic address: cumtxyw@126.com.

PMID: 33780858
DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2021.102403

Abstract

Traditional froth flotation is the primary method for the separation and upgrading of fine mineral particles. However, it is still difficult for micro-fine and low-quality minerals to effectively separate. It is generally believed that bubble miniaturization is of great significance to improve flotation efficiency. Due to their unique physical and chemical properties, the application of nanobubbles (NBs) in ore flotation and other fields has been widely investigated as an important means to solve the problems of fine particle separation. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of the effect of NBs on flotation is a prerequisite to adapt it for the treatment of fine and low-quality minerals for separation. In this paper, recent advances in the field of nanobubble (NB) formation, preparation and stability are reviewed. In particular, we highlight the latest progress in the role of NBs on particles flotation and focus in particular on the particle-particle and particle-bubble interaction. A discussion of the current knowledge gap and future directions is provided.

Keywords: Enhancement; Formation; Nanobubbles; Particles flotation; Stability.

Publication types

Review