Homogeneous catalyzed ozone decomposition in the presence of Co(II)

The homogeneous decomposition of ozone in the presence of a Co(II) catalyst has been investigated in aqueous solution. Under the conditions investigated (Co(II) concentration: 0.0-2.0 ppm, pH: 1.6-8.4, O3 concentration: 5x10-5-2.0x104 M) the process can be assumed to follow pseudo first order kinetics with respect to ozone. Cobalt concentration dependency also obeys first order kinetics although it may be considered to reach a steady state concentration. pH exerts a positive influence on the decomposition rate from 1.6 to 7.1, the process leveling off at pH 8.4. An Arrhenius analysis of the temperature effect gave a moderate activation energy of the global reaction (E=10917 cal/mol). A more detailed radical mechanism than a simple pseudo first order reaction can be postulated for simulation purposes. By numerical optimization of some unknown kinetic constants the influence of several operating variables can be adequately predicted.