Sonochemistry

Sonochemistry is the use of high intensity acoustic fields to enhance chemical reactions. High-frequency acoustic pressure variations literally tear water apart in the process known as cavitation and chemists have demonstrated that this greatly enhances many chemical reactions.

When cavitating bubbles collapse in a sonochemistry reactor, high local temperatures and pressures arise producing excited free radicals. Other beneficial effects arise, including the transport of products and increase in active surface area.

Unfortunately, this non-linear process is not readily scalable from the test-tube to industrial size. This Holy Grail remains elusive.

The Landfill Directive states that liquid industrial waste can no longer be sent to landfill. The adoption of the Water Framework Directive has put emphasis on the protection of water resources. If the UK is to meet its obligations under these directives a range of novel effluent processing technologies will need to be introduced.

Sonochemistry is central to the Green Chemistry Movement and has been demonstrated to enhance the degradation of effluent and to oxidise toxic waste prior to disposal - offering a cost-effective solution to these key legislative issues.