Chemical transformations initiated by gas discharges in aqueous solutions

Abstract

Abstract The kinetic regularities of the processes of oxidation-reduction of chromium ions under the action of a direct current discharge of atmospheric pressure in air, oxygen and argon on an aqueous solution of potassium dichromate at currents of 20–60 mA and concentrations 0.092–0.4 mmol·l−1 are investigated. The solution served as the cathode of the discharge. It was found that the effect of a discharge in any gas on a solution stimulates the reversible Cr6+↔Cr3+ reactions of oxidation-reduction of chromium ions. The apparent constants of the rates of oxidation and reduction and their dependence on the discharge current and initial concentration are found. The energy efficiency of the process is estimated. It is shown that the discharge in argon is most effective for carrying out the reduction process.