Formation of active species in spark discharge and their possible use

The chemical effects of self-sustained spark discharge with an energy per pulse of 5.9 × 10⁻² J, a pulse repetition frequency of 10 Hz, and a spark-gap breakdown voltage of 6 kV have been studied. The discharge generated a UV photon flux of (2.5 ± 0.3) × 10¹⁵ cm⁻² s⁻¹ with an energy density of (2 ± 0.3) × 10⁻³ J cm⁻¹ s⁻¹ and the emission spectrum maximum at 220 nm. The action of the discharge on water samples leads to a decrease in pH and to buildup of oxidizing and reducing species. The formation of HO₂^· radicals with an initial yield of (1.2 ± 0.3) × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹ s⁻¹ has been detected in the liquid. The initial yields of acid residues (increment in H⁺]), oxidants, and reducing agents are (5.8 ± 1.6) × 10⁻⁷, (3.3 ± 1) × 10⁻⁶, and (4.2 ± 1) × 10⁻⁷ mol equiv L⁻¹s⁻¹, respectively. The formation of NO₃⁻ and NO₄⁺ ions, nitrosamines, and organic compounds has been established.