Enhancing the yield of radical reactions generated by ultrasonic cavitation in aqueous media has historically focused on the role of volatile or surfactant molecules entering within the bubbles to scavenge aqueous radicals. Here, the authors report an unexpected scavenging mechanism activated by thermal degradation of salts exposed to the transient hot temperatures generated by ultrasound in homogeneous solutions, with an effect on radical selectivity as function of the salts tested leading to an increase of reactive oxygen species or H2 gas, or to the formation of oxidizing species, revealing a new approach for modulating sonochemical reactions in aqueous solutions.
- A. Troia
- M. Gallone
- V. Maurino
