A simple new approach for mapping an ultrasonic tank for sonochemistry

The most used piece of equipment for sonochemistry is the ultrasonic cleaning bath. However, what is sometimes forgotten by scientists new to sonochemistry is the vital importance of the shape and positioning of any reaction vessel in the bath to obtain the most efficient and reproducible results. In experiments using an ultrasonic bath, a glass vessel (reactor) is inserted into the water contained in the bath. The water acts as the coupling medium for the transfer of acoustic energy from the transducer to the vessel (termed indirect sonication). The position of the reaction vessel above the base of the US bath can change the energy transmitted into it over a wide range of values (in our system between 100-500 J). We have carried out a study of the vertical distribution of the ultrasound field in a common type of ultrasound bath, comparing conventional sonochemistry dosimeters with a new and very simple approach using the Ultrasonic Capillary Effect (UCE) which can be performed in any laboratory. The technique involves the use of a capillary tube, to locate the vertical positions of acoustic pressure maxima above a single transducer on the base of the bath. The results are compared with those obtained using calorimetry, iodimetry, a cavitometer and the perforation of aluminium foil. The results show that the optimum position for the reaction vessel can be located very simply using UCE.