Catalytic destruction of ozone by chlorofluorocarbons and partial restoration by methane in large laboratory experiments

Abstract

The catalytic destruction of ozone by CFC was quantitatively measured in a large laboratory device which has controlled ultraviolet radiation and gas composition. Experimental results obtained in a pure oxygen atmosphere agreed with theoretical estimates within a factor of two. A destruction ratio of one chloride to 4 × 10 5 ozone molecules was found. The introduction of methane reduced the density of atomic chlorine resulting in a higher equilibrium ozone density. Even with a methane density six times the CFC density, only partial restoration of ozone is possible.