Ozone isn't "harvested" like a crop; instead, it's actively generated using specific methods because it is an unstable molecule. The two most common ways to produce ozone are:
Ozone Generation Methods
Here's a breakdown of the primary methods used to create ozone:
1. Corona Discharge (CD)
- Process: This method involves passing dry air or a gas mixture containing oxygen through a controlled, high-energy electrical field or charge. This electric field causes oxygen molecules (O2) to split and recombine to form ozone molecules (O3).
- Mechanism: The high energy electrical discharge breaks the oxygen double bonds (O=O) which leads to the creation of single oxygen atoms that combine with O2 to create ozone (O3).
- Temperature Control: It's vital to control the temperature in this process, as heat can degrade ozone and make the process less efficient.
- Practical Application: CD is widely used in various ozone generation applications due to its efficiency and scalability.
2. UV Photochemical Generation
- Process: This technique uses ultraviolet (UV) light to break down oxygen molecules (O2). The resulting free oxygen atoms then combine with other oxygen molecules to form ozone.
- Mechanism: UV light at specific wavelengths is absorbed by oxygen molecules leading to their dissociation. The resulting single oxygen atoms then combine with the remaining O2.
- Practical Application: UV light is often used in smaller applications such as air purifiers.
Table Summary of Ozone Generation Methods
| Method | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corona Discharge | Passing gas with O2 through a high-energy electrical charge/field. | High efficiency, scalable, widely used. | Requires temperature control to maintain process and prevent ozone degradation. |
| UV Photochemical | Using UV light to split O2 molecules, enabling free oxygen atoms to form ozone. | Simple setup, suitable for smaller-scale applications. | Less efficient than CD, lower ozone concentration output. |
Key Points
- Ozone Instability: Ozone is highly unstable and cannot be stored for long periods, so it must be produced at the point of use.
- No Harvesting: The term "harvesting" is inappropriate, as ozone is not extracted from a natural source but actively manufactured by the methods outlined above.
- Applications: Generated ozone is used in water treatment, air purification, and various industrial processes.
- Precursors: The ozone generation process relies on using oxygen gas as a precursor.
