Comparison of Chemistry Induced by Direct and Indirect Plasma Treatment of Water to the Effect of UV Radiation

Abstract

The yield of redox reactions (Fe2+ oxidation and Mn7+ reduction in aqueous solutions) under the action of hot plasma radiation in liquid and species formed in the region of plasma discharge was measured. The goal of the investigation is to evaluate the role of hot plasma radiation as active factor compared to species generating in discharge itself. As source of active species we studied the spark discharge in air and in nitrogen (SD50 generator), the generator of corona discharge in air and low-pressure mercury UV lamp (λ = 253.7 nm). The yield of redox reactions for all sources was determined using detecting liquids; the mechanisms of these reactions were analysed. It was shown that chain reactions do not take place. When the yields were calculated, the stoichiometry of the reactions was taken into account. An analysis of the results shows that under the action of a spark discharge generator SD50, the main active factor is radiation. The role of active species formed in discharge region not more than 15%. Under the action of a spark discharge radiation, active species first form in the sample being processed, and then interact with substances dissolved in water. There is an indirect mechanism of action. Owing of this peculiarity, the redox properties of water, activated by hot plasma radiation, are the same as direct treatment of samples to hot plasma radiation. For a corona discharge plasma and radiation from a mercury lamp, such a mechanism does not occur.