Formation of active species in spark discharge and their possible use

The chemical effects of self-sustained spark discharge with an energy per pulse of 5.9 × 10 -2 J, a pulse repetition frequency of 10 Hz, and a spark-gap breakdown voltage of 6 kV have been studied. The discharge generated a UV photon flux of (2.5 ± 0.3) × 1015 cm -2 s -1 with an energy density of (2 ± 0.3) × 10 -3 J cm -1 s -1 and the emission spectrum maximum at 220 nm. The action of the discharge on water samples leads to a decrease in pH and to buildup of oxidizing and reducing species. The formation of HO 2 radicals with an initial yield of (1.2 ± 0.3) × 10 -6 mol L -1 s -1 has been detected in the liquid. The initial yields of acid residues (increment in [H +]), oxidants, and reducing agents are (5.8 ± 1.6) × 10 -7, (3.3 ± 1) × 10 -6, and (4.2 ± 1) × 10 -7 mol equiv L -1s -1, respectively. The formation of NO - 3 and NH + 4 ions, nitrosamines, and organic compounds has been established. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd., 2012