Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction between ozone and hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions

A kinetic model has been developed, taking into account both decomposition of ozone molecules and interactions between ozone and hydrogen peroxide for formation of hydroxyl radical and subsequent reactions. Experiments were carried out at 25 degrees C in the pH range of 3 to 13, indicating that the depletion rate of ozone increases with the concentrations of ozone, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl ion, as predicted by the kinetic model. Adverse scavenging reactions, however, also play significant roles at sufficient concentration ratios of hydrogen peroxide to ozone and high concentrations of hydroxyl ion in reducing the depletion rate. Results of this research suggest, that it is most desirable to conduct the peroxone oxidation for pollutant destruction by the hydroxyl radical reaction in alkaline solutions of pH below 11, while maintaining about the same concentration of ozone and hydrogen peroxide.