Meet the Ozone Molecule

The ozone molecule (O3) is formed in the Earth’s atmosphere primarily through a series of photochemical reactions involving oxygen molecules (O2) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.

Ozone is a gas made up of three (3) atoms of oxygen:

O + O + O = O3

Oxygen (we breathe) is made up of two (2) atoms of oxygen:

O + O = O2

The atoms in O2 are stable – each atom “holds on” to the other.

The atoms in O3 consist of a stable pair (O2) and a third, unstable atom.

It is the unstable atom that gives ozone its power!  Ozone is generated when energy “splits” the stable O2 bond.

Ozone Can be Generated in Three Ways:

Ozone, a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms (O3), can be generated through various methods. Here are three common ways ozone can be produced:

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Ozone can be generated naturally in the Earth’s stratosphere through the interaction of UV radiation from the sun and oxygen molecules (O2). In this process, high-energy UV radiation breaks apart oxygen molecules, forming oxygen radicals (O). These radicals then react with other oxygen molecules to form ozone (O3).

 

Corona Discharge (Electric Discharge): This method involves passing a high-voltage electric discharge through oxygen gas (O2) or dry air containing oxygen. The electric discharge creates a plasma, which leads to the dissociation of oxygen molecules into oxygen atoms. These oxygen atoms then combine with other oxygen molecules to form ozone.

 

Cold Plasma (Dielectric Barrier Discharge): In this method, oxygen gas (O2) or dry air containing oxygen is passed through a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), which is essentially a gap between two electrodes with a dielectric material in between. When a high-voltage alternating current is applied to the electrodes, it creates a plasma that facilitates the dissociation of oxygen molecules into oxygen atoms. These oxygen atoms then combine with other oxygen molecules to produce ozone.

 

These methods are commonly employed in various industries and applications, such as water treatment, air purification, and industrial processes. Each method has its advantages and limitations depending on the specific requirements of the application.