The Inhibition of Ozone Generation at Ni/Sb-SnO₂ Electrodes in High Concentrations of Dissolved O₃

Abstract

The work reported in this paper investigated the observation that high concentrations of ozone in the electrolyte inhibits the electrochemical ozone evolution process at Ni/Sb-SnO₂ anodes in aqueous sulfuric acid. We show that inhibition does indeed take place and that this inhibition does not affect the current density and hence appears to reflect an increase in the ratio of O₂ to O₃ evolved. A possible mechanism for the inhibition is proposed. It was found that Celgard 2400 membrane was an acceptable alternative to Nafion in the divided electrolysis cell employed.

Keywords:

• Ozone
• Electrocatalysis
• Electrochemical Generation
• Energy
• Efficiency
• Recycle Operation
• Flow Operation
• Inhibition

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank Clarizon Ltd. and Newcastle University for funding. A. Imkum would like to thank the Thai Government for the award of a Royal Thai Scholarship.