On the stability of bubbles trapped at a solid-liquid interface: A thermodynamical approach

In this paper we present a condition for thermodynamic equilibrium of gas bubbles of dimensions larger that a few tens of nanometers trapped at a solid-liquid interface. It is defined an intensive adimensional function that relates bubble stability with wettability and surface corrugation related parameters. From it, we deduce that bubbles can be stable on smooth, highly hydrophobic surfaces and that, on weakly hydrophobic surfaces, bubbles may be stabilized by topographical heterogeneities like pores and grooves.