Recent Developments in Generation, Detection and Application of Nanobubbles in Flotation

This paper reviews recent developments in the fundamental understating of ultrafine (nano) bubbles (NBs) and presents technological advances reagent types used for their generation flotation. The NBs using various approaches including ultrasonication, solvent exchange, temperature change, hydrodynamic cavitation, electrolysis was assessed. Most importantly, restrictions opportunities with respect to detection were comprehensively reviewed, focusing on characterization techniques such as laser particle size analyzer (LPSA), nanoparticle tracking (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta-phase (ZPALS), zeta sizer. As a key feature, possible mechanisms surfactants applied stabilize also explored. Furthermore, flotation-assisted nano-bubbles reported an efficient method recovering minerals, special focus flotation kinetics. It found that most researchers existence formation by different techniques, but there is not enough information accurate measurement distribution commonly reagents. recognized suitable generating NBs, at high rate low cost, remains technical challenge application cavitation based venturi tube LPSA NTA laboratory scales identified predominant respectively. In this regard, neither pilot- nor industrial-scale case studies literature; they only highlighted future works. Although NB-stabilizing effects electrolytes have been well-explored, related remain issue further investigation. effectiveness NB-assisted processes has mostly addressed single few works bulk materials. Finally, we believe current review paves way appropriate selection detecting shines profound understanding its effectiveness.