Direct Observation of Gas Meniscus Formation on a Superhydrophobic Surface

• DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b08922
• Publication Date: 2019-02-01T21:24:39Z
• Authors: Mimmi Eriksson; Mikko Tuominen; Mikael Järn; Per Martin Claesson; Viveca Wallqvist; Hans-Jürgen Butt; Doris Vollmer; Michael Kappl; Joachim Schoelkopf; Patrick A. C. Gane; Hannu Teisala; Agne Swerin
• Keywords: Meniscus

The formation of a bridging gas meniscus via cavitation or nanobubbles is considered the most likely origin submicrometer long-range attractive forces measured between hydrophobic surfaces in aqueous solution. However, dynamics and evolution still under debate, particular, presence thin air layer on superhydrophobic surface. On range can even exceed 10 μm. Here, we report microscopic images growth during force measurements surface microsphere immersed water. This achieved by combining laser scanning confocal microscopy colloidal probe atomic microscopy. configuration allows determination volume shape meniscus, together with direct calculation Young–Laplace capillary pressure. interactions acting separation are due to as transported from layer.