SONOCHEMICAL ACCELERATION OF PERSULFATE DECOMPOSITION

The decomposition kinetics of potassium persulfate in aqueous solution have been investigated using a radical trapping method. The use of ul trasound was found to markedly accelerate the decomposition so that th e sonochemical process at 25 degrees C occurs at the same rate as the purely thermal reaction at 55 degrees C. The effect of ultrasound inte nsity has also been studied and can be used to control the rate of dec omposition within certain limits. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.