Ozone generators produce ozone (O₃) by taking regular oxygen molecules (O₂) from the air and splitting them apart so that some of the single oxygen atoms can recombine into ozone.
There are two main methods:
1. Corona discharge (Most common)
- How it works: The machine passes air or oxygen through a chamber with a high-voltage electrical discharge — similar to a miniature lightning strike.
- Process:
- High voltage splits some O₂ molecules into individual oxygen atoms.
- These atoms quickly bond with intact O₂ molecules, forming ozone (O₃).
- Pros: Produces high concentrations of ozone; more efficient for large spaces.
2. Ultraviolet (UV) light
- How it works: Special UV lamps emit light at around 185 nanometers — a wavelength that breaks apart O₂ molecules.
- Process:
- UV photons hit oxygen molecules, splitting them into separate atoms.
- These atoms combine with other O₂ molecules to form ozone.
- Pros: Less heat and no nitrogen oxide production.
- Cons: Lower ozone output compared to corona discharge; better for continuous low-level treatment.
Other, less common methods
- Electrolytic: Passes an electric current through water to generate ozone directly in liquid form (used for water treatment).
- Cold plasma: Uses ionized gas to split oxygen molecules, similar in principle to corona discharge but with a different electrical configuration.
Whether it’s a lightning-like spark (corona discharge) or a UV lamp, the principle is always the same — split oxygen molecules into single atoms, then let them recombine into ozone.