The effects of ultrasound on the electro-oxidation of sulfate solutions at low pH

Wallace, A. G., McHugh, P. J. and Symes, M. D. (2019) The effects of ultrasound on the electro-oxidation of sulfate solutions at low pH. ChemPhysChem, 20(22), pp. 3134-3140. (doi: 10.1002/cphc.201900346) (PMID:31141282) (PMCID:PMC6899799)

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Abstract

The electro‐oxidation of sulfate solutions is a well‐established route for the generation of powerful oxidants such as persulfate. Despite this, the effects of simultaneous ultrasound irradiation during this process has attracted little attention. Herein, we investigate the effects of a low‐intensity ultrasonic field on the generation of solution‐phase oxidants during the electro‐oxidation of sulfate solutions. Our results show that at high current densities and high sulfate concentrations, ultrasound has little effect on the Faradaic and absolute yields of solution‐phase oxidants. However, at lower current densities and sulfate concentrations, the amount of these oxidants in solution appears to decrease under ultrasonic irradiation. A mechanism explaining these results is proposed (and validated), whereby anodically‐generated sulfate and hydroxyl radicals are more effectively transported into bulk solution (where they are quenched) during sonication, whereas in the absence of an ultrasonic field these radicals combine with one another to form more persistent species (such as persulfate) that can be detected by iodometry.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Wallace, Mr Alexander and Symes, Professor Mark and McHugh, Mr Patrick
Authors: Wallace, A. G., McHugh, P. J., and Symes, M. D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:ChemPhysChem
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1439-4235
ISSN (Online):1439-7641
Published Online:29 May 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 The Authors
First Published:First published in ChemPhysChem 20(22): 3134-3140
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License
Data DOI:10.5525/gla.researchdata.830

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
621311Upgrading the small scale equipment base for early career researchers in the engineering and physical sciencesMiles PadgettEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/K031732/1S&E P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
714601Driving energetically uphill processes using metal-ligand coordination complexesMark SymesThe Royal Society (ROYSOC)UF150104CHEM - CHEMISTRY