Annihilating Foam using an Applied Voltage

Here we experimentally study the breaking of a 2D aqueous foam upon application of voltage. We find that the origin of the breaking of foam is not electrokinetically driven, rather electrolysis driven. High speed visualization of foam breakage reveals rupture is always initiated at the cathode where hydrogen evolves. We discuss the underlying mechanism and the two distinct regimes of breakage. Finally, our results guide us in designing a bench-scale foam mitigator that can suppress the foam growth using active electrolytic mechanism.