Ozone is a naturally occurring gas created from oxygen atoms. The
oxygen molecule is made up of 2 oxygen atoms. These oxygen molecules
are broken into atoms by the corona discharge during lightning storms
or by UV light from the Sun. Single oxygen atoms cannot exist alone
without regrouping back into di-atomic oxygen molecules. During this
recombination stage some atoms will regroup into loosely-bonded
tri-atomic oxygen. This new molecule is called Ozone, as seen to the
right (d = 1.28 ?, Theta= 116.5?). Due to the loose bond in this oxygen
molecule ? ozone is a very strong oxidant and an ideal chemical-free
purification and a disinfecting agent. Ozone is frequently misdiagnosed and equated to low-altitude pollution. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, Ozone breaks down pollutants and should be welcomed when found in the air. The most effective way to produce Ozone commercially is through the use of pulse injected corona discharge. |