An introductory laboratory class in sonochemistry

Abstract

This article proposes a substantive scope and scenario of a laboratory class that introduces students to the field of sonochemistry. The class requires only basic laboratory equipment - typical laboratory glassware like graduated pipettes and conical flasks, as well as simple inorganic chemicals. It is designed to acquaint students with fundamental aspects of sonochemistry. In the qualitative aspect, they will conduct and observe some sonochemical reactions like a synthesis of hydrogen peroxide and ultrasound-assisted degradation of toxic chromates(VI) which will demonstrate the indirect consequences of water sonolysis which is the most basic sonochemical reaction, as well as they will illustrate the applications of sonochemistry. In the quantitative aspect, students will learn about how to measure the power of ultrasound and the sonochemical efficiency of the reaction and will conduct experiments allowing for the calculation of these parameters. Finally, an introduction to and demonstration of the sonocatalytic effect is planned. An evaluation system, consisting of a report and test, is also proposed.

Keywords: Acoustic cavitation; Calorimetry; Education; Sonocatalysis; Sonochemical efficiency; Sonochemistry.