Ozonation of Sulfur Dioxide in Sulphuric Acid Solution

In this study, the oxidation rates of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in sulphuric acid solution by ozone and oxygen were compared, and the oxidation mechanism of ozone on SO2 was investigated. The results showed that the oxidation-reduction potential of the acidic solution was enhanced, the transformation rate of sulfuric acid to sulphuric acid was increased and the absorption driving force was improved in the presence of ozone. By comparing the amount of sulfate ions measured in the experiments and the theoretical amount of sulfate ions calculated from the amount of ozone consumed in the reaction, it can be confirmed that oxygen free radicals from dissociation of ozone are reactive as an efficient oxidant and oxygen from ozone generator participates in the reaction with SO2. 0.602 mol of effective oxygen was introduced into the reaction by one mole of ozone in 10.15 min at sulphuric acid concentration of 3% (by mass), SO2 concentration of 1.33% (by volume) and oxygen flow rate of 1.5 L·min−1 from ozone generator.