Quantification of Plasma-Produced Hydroxyl Radicals in Solution and their Dependence on the pH

HO radicals are the most important reactive species generated during water treatment by non-thermal plasma devices. In this letter, we report the first quantification of the steady-state concentration and lifetime of plasma-produced hydroxyl radicals in water solutions at pH 3 and 7, and we discuss the differences based on their reactivity with other plasma-generated species. Finally, we show to what extent the use of chemical probes to quantify shortlived reactive species has an influence on the results and that it should be taken into account.

Automated summary

In this study, the steady-state concentration and lifetime of plasma-produced hydroxyl radicals in water solutions at pH 3 and 7 were quantified for the first time, along with discussions on their reactivity with other plasma-generated species. The use of chemical probes to quantify short-lived reactive species was shown to have an influence on the results and should be taken into account.