Volatile organic compounds decomposition using nonthermal plasma coupled with a combination of catalysts

A series of experiments were performed for toluene decomposition from a gaseous influent at normal temperature and atmospheric pressure by nonthermal plasma coupled with a combination of catalysts technology. Nonthermal plasma was generated by dielectric barrier discharge. γ-Al₂O₃ was used to be a sorbent and a catalyst carrier. Nanocatalysts were MnO₂/γ-Al₂O₃ coupled with modified ferroelectric of nano-Ba_0.8Sr_0.2Zr_0.1Ti_0.9O₃. γ-Al₂O₃ played an important role in prolonging reaction time of nonthermal plasma with volatile organic compounds molecules. MnO₂/γ-Al₂O₃ has an advantage for ozone removal, while nano-Ba_0.8Sr_0.2Zr_0.1Ti_0.9O₃ is a kind of good ferroelectric material for improving energy efficiency. Thus these packed materials were incorporated together to strengthen nonthermal plasma power for volatile organic compounds decomposition. The results showed the synergistic technology resulted in greater enhancement of toluene removal and energy efficiencies and a better inhibition for ozone formation in the gas exhaust. Based on the data analysis of the Fourier transforms infrared spectrum, the reaction process of toluene decomposition and the mechanism of synergistic effect are discussed. The results showed in a complex oxidation mechanism of toluene via several pathways, producing either ringretaining or ringopening products. The final products were carbon dioxide and water.