Using graphite as a catalyst to break down Ozone

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SUMMARY

Graphite cannot effectively serve as a catalyst to break down ozone into oxygen without significant oxidation. The discussion highlights that passing ozone over carbon results in the production of carbon dioxide, indicating that graphite would be oxidized rather than facilitating the breakdown of ozone. The context involves using graphite in an ionic wind fan application, similar to NASA's ion thruster technology, but the chemical properties of ozone as a strong oxidizer limit graphite's utility in this role. The conversation also references the use of platinum as a more suitable neutral catalyst in electrolysis processes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ozone chemistry and its oxidizing properties
  • Familiarity with catalytic processes and materials
  • Knowledge of ionic wind technology and its applications
  • Experience with electrolysis and the role of catalysts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical reactions involved in ozone decomposition
  • Explore alternative catalysts for ozone breakdown, such as platinum
  • Investigate the design and operation of ionic wind fans
  • Study the applications of ion thrusters in aerospace technology
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in environmental chemistry, engineers working on air purification technologies, and aerospace professionals interested in propulsion systems will benefit from this discussion.

Hawk Eyes
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Can graphite be used as a catalyst to break down ozone into oxygen without serious oxidization?

The applied use for this is to break down ozone at the output of an ionic wind "fan". Similar operation to an ion thruster used by NASA but instead of using stored gasses and propelling them into space, the gasses would be drawn from atmosphere and propelled in a certain direction.
 
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Hawk Eyes said:
Can graphite be used as a catalyst to break down ozone into oxygen without serious oxidization?

The applied use for this is to break down ozone at the output of an ionic wind "fan". Similar operation to an ion thruster used by NASA but instead of using stored gasses and propelling them into space, the gasses would be drawn from atmosphere and propelled in a certain direction.

It's not clear why you would think graphite would act to break down ozone. Passing ozone over carbon produces carbon dioxide:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone

After all, ozone is a powerful oxidizer, and all that graphite is just waiting to be oxidized.
 
You make a fine point sir! Thanks for the quick reply.

I just thought I would ask the obvious, as I have used graphite before as a catalyst in electrolysis of water. But I had a feeling that would take neutral catalysts like platinum.
 

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