Fentonreakciók

Fentonreakciók refers to a set of chemical reactions involving iron ions and hydrogen peroxide. The fundamental Fenton reaction describes the oxidation of ferrous ions (Fe2+) by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and ferric ions (Fe3+). This process is represented by the equation: Fe2+ + H2O2 → Fe3+ + •OH + OH-.

The hydroxyl radical is a highly reactive species with a strong oxidizing potential, capable of degrading a wide range of organic pollutants. This property makes Fenton reactions valuable in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. The initial ferrous ion is regenerated in subsequent reactions, allowing a catalytic cycle to occur. For instance, ferric ions can react with another molecule of hydrogen peroxide to produce more hydroxyl radicals, though less efficiently than ferrous ions: Fe3+ + H2O2 → Fe2+ + HO2• + H+.

The efficiency of Fenton reactions can be influenced by several factors, including pH, temperature, and the concentration of reactants. Typically, Fenton reactions are most effective in acidic conditions (pH 2-4). Variations of the Fenton process exist, such as Fenton-like reactions which use other transition metal ions, or photo-Fenton reactions where UV or visible light is used to enhance the generation of hydroxyl radicals and improve degradation rates. These advanced oxidation processes leverage the oxidative power of Fenton chemistry to break down persistent organic compounds into less harmful substances.