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of Ultrasound
Intense ultrasonic waves traveling through liquids generate small
cavities that enlarge and implode, creating tremendous heat.
These extreme conditions provide an unusual chemical environment
by Kenneth S. Suslick
In addition to sonochemistry, he is in
terested in the role of metals in biologi
cal systems. Suslick also enjoys singing
folk music and sculpting bronzes.
80
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
February
<above).
The
400 kilometers per hour. Both the heat and the jet contribute
(left)
shows
jet develops opposite the solid surface and moves toward it.
SCIENTIFIC AMERlCAN
February
1989
81
Once
thermometer
because
the
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
February
Yet
these
quantities
1989
p LY---,
P-.::;O..;..;
W=ER;.;;.
SUp
...;;..
"",",r
=-
of
about
:II:
0 =--{: ::::::]1.
ELECTRODE
PIEZOELECTRIC
ELECTRODE
5,500 degrees C,
TITANIUM HORN
the
pressures
COOLING BATH
CONTAINER
SAMPLE
materials: materials that expand or contract when they are placed in electromagnetic
Second,
unlike
brates at a fixed acoustic frequency, typically 20 kilohertz, but the intensity is var
iable. Since power outputs are quite high, the reaction solution must be cooled.
chemical
150
IMPLOSION
Vl
z
0
cr:
u
100
RAPID
QUENCHING
V'l
:::l
15
UJ
-'
a>
a>
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50
FORMATION
100
200
HOT SPOT
300
TIME (MICROSECONDS)
400
500
600
(dark color) and negative pressure (light color). A cavity can form
and grow during the episodes of negative pressure. When the cavity attains a crit
ical size, the cavity implodes, generating intense heat and tremendous pressure.
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
February
1989
83
iii
z
UJ
I
WAVELENGTH (NANOMETERS)
compound Fe3(COh2'
UGHT resembling that from a gas flame is generated when cold hydrocarbon liquids
are exposed to ultrasound; the phenomenon is known as sonoluminescence. The
graphs show the spectrum produced by the sonoluminescence of dodecane, C12H24
(bottom).
spectrums are due to the formation and emissions of diatomic carbon in both cases.
simple heating.
(W)
84
SCIENTIFIC AMERlCAN
February
mole
1989
dustrial applications.
point of impact.
This melting im
it
removes
metallic-oxide
coatings.
techniques
require
pres-
I
I
ULTRASOUND
Fe(CO),
CHEMISTRY OF ULTRASOUND can differ greatly from the chem
ide. Light yields two iron atoms bonded to nine carbon monox
units
SCIENTIFIC AMERlCAN
February
1989
85
high strength.
Although chemical applications of
FURTHER READING
Education,
Nature,
Vol. 330,
(right)
nickel and boosting its reactivity. Without the coating the nickel powder becomes an
excellent catalyst for chemical reactions. The magnification is about 100 diameters.
86
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN
February
1989
10, 1987.
ULTRASOUND: ITS CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL
AND BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. Edited by
Kenneth S. Suslick VCH Publishers,
Inc., 1988.