Scientific mysteries of nanobubbles

Understanding the properties of solid-liquid interfaces, especially on the nanometer scale, is a very hot topic for industry as well as for basic science. Nanoscale bubbles look very simple but actually are far from being so. A great deal of research has emerged since the first article was published in 2000, but even after these 17 years there are still several mysteries that are unexplained. The nanoscale properties, such as high stability, are not well understood. In addition, the discovery of nanobubbles and their special properties have given birth to new concepts and many important applications, such as sewage treatment, stimulation of the growth of plants and animals, medical diagnosis, etc. This paper reviews the origin of nanobubbles, their research history, methods of production, basic properties, and important applications for the future. Each revolution of science and technology will lead to technological breakthroughs.With the development of advanced technologies, we hope to unveil the scientific mysteries of nanobubbles.