Generation of a sterilizing aerosol jet based on a gliding arc electric discharge

The redox properties of liquids treated by a gliding arc electric discharge have been investigated. Distilled water and aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 0.2 and 0.5% were used as working liquids. For the analysis, the sediment of aerosol mixture was caught. To determine the oxidation yield, the reaction of the sediment sample with a solution of Mohr's salt was used. The reduction yield was determined in the reaction with KMnO4. It was found that distilled water after passing through the discharge region acquires oxidizing properties. The oxidizing properties of hydrogen peroxide solutions are significantly enhanced. The oxidation yield is in the range of 2.2 – 4.8 (100 eV)1, the reduction yield is small, does not exceed 0.1 (100 eV)1. In the reaction with methyl orange (MO) concentration of 8 mg/L, the oxidizing ability of 3% hydrogen peroxide and the discharge-treated liquid are compared. It is shown that the liquid treated by the discharge almost completely oxidizes the MO solution, while 3% hydrogen peroxide has no effect on the MO. The main product formed under the action of a discharge in an aerosol flow is a complex that decomposes by ~95% within a time period of up to 3 days. Decomposition products are peroxynitrite and peroxynitrous acid. Their oxidative potential is much higher than that of chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, the aerosol jet that has passed the gliding arc discharge area can be used as a strong disinfectant. This product is environmentally friendly, as active species decompose into water, nitrogen and oxygen.