Serendipity Swings Doors of Opportunity Open Wide for Nanobubble Generator Developers
Monday, 28 March, 2022
Dr Mohammad Reza Ghaani of the UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, Photo by Ste Murray
The chance discovery of a novel, safe and cost effective way to generate within a liquid tiny bubbles of gas invisible to the naked eye (nanobubbles) by two alert and inquisitive researchers in the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering has the potential to transform a panoply of industrial sectors worldwide. This discovery, made four years ago, has progressed to an advanced stage, with a spin out company established to support commercialisation of the patented new technology.
The easily controlled method to promote bulk-nanobubble formation has significant potential in strategically important industries worldwide, including the wastewater treatment, food/beverage production, chemical and (bio) pharmaceutical sectors. Other potential applications include irrigation, hydroponics, oil recovery, (bio-) gas separation and, perhaps most important of all, emissions control from carbon sources such as power plants and cement and steel production.
“This is a classic example, really, of the importance of researchers keeping an open mind. Our experiment was focussed on one thing, but when we identified an anomaly we ended up making a breakthrough in an entirely different area – and one with significant potential impact across a range of industries.”
You can read the full case study here: Serendipity Swings Doors of Opportunity Open Wide for Nanobubble Generator Developers