Hydrogen Peroxide Formation in Aqueous Solutions under UV-C Radiation

Abstract

The formation of hydrogen peroxide in bidistilled water under the influence of UV-C radiation from a DKB-9 low-pressure mercury lamp has been studied. The yield of hydrogen peroxide was (1 ± 0.2) × 10⁻⁷ mol (L s)⁻¹. The wavelengths of radiation under the influence of which the formation of H₂O₂ is possible have been estimated. It has been assumed that the intermediate product of the reaction is the HO₂^./O₂^.-radical. To identify it, oxidation–reduction reactions in aqueous solutions containing Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, and I⁻ ions at pH values from 0.8 to 8.1 have been studied. The quantum yield of HO₂^. radicals in an acidic medium under the influence of radiation from the mercury lamp is 0.015 ± 0.005.