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There is a wide assortment of complicated electrical charge-exchange phenomena that can occur when two materials are simply brought into contact and then separated. The relevant literature is extensive and complicated. Thus the literature on microscopic models of contact electrification is surveyed, and the essential features are systematically condensed so that comparisons can be readily made between the various theoretical models. Particular attention has been focused on controversies and some areas in need of investigation.

It is shown that previous data on the ozone generation rate by dc coronas can be described by a simple model employing the following concepts. 1) The ozone generation rate is proportional to the electrical power dissipated in the ionization sheath surrounding the wire. 2) The voltage drop across the ionization sheath is proportional to the corona threshold voltage and independent of both the applied voltage and the corona current.