Ozone chemistry in aqueous solution : ozone decomposition and stabilisation

Ozone is used in many applications in the industry as an oxidising agent for example for bleaching and sterilisation. The decomposition of ozone in aqueous solutions is complex, and is affected by many properties such as, pH, temperature and substances present in the water. Additives can either accelerate the decomposition rate of ozone or have a stabilising effect of the ozone decay. By controlling the decomposition of ozone it is possible to increase the oxidative capacity of ozone. In this work the chemistry of acidic aqueous ozone is studied and ways to stabilise the decomposition of ozone in such solutions. The main work emphasizes the possibility to use surfactants in order to develop a new type of cleaning systems for the sterilisation of medical equipment.QC 2010112