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Toluene decomposition performance and NOx by-product formation during a DBD-catalyst process
Yufang Guo1, Xiaobin Liao2, Mingli Fu3
1College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Catalytic degradation of toluene in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor effectively removes toluene and by-products. Copper oxide catalysts significantly suppress nitrogen oxide (NOx) formation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Plasma Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Toluene decomposition in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactors can generate harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) by-products.
- Controlling NOx formation is crucial for the environmental application of plasma-based air purification technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of metal oxide catalysts on toluene decomposition and NOx formation in a DBD reactor.
- To identify optimal conditions and catalysts for efficient toluene removal and minimized NOx by-products.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
- Employed four supported metal oxide catalysts: MnOx, FeOx, CoOx, and CuO on Al2O3/nickel foam.
- Varied parameters including specific energy density (SED), humidity, gas flow rate, and toluene concentration.
Main Results:
- Catalyst introduction improved toluene removal efficiency, ozone decomposition, and CO2 selectivity.
- NOx formation was suppressed by decreasing SED, increasing humidity, gas flow rate, toluene concentration, and by using catalysts.
- CuO catalyst demonstrated superior NOx suppression, while MnOx showed high CO2 selectivity but also high NOx.
Conclusions:
- Metal oxide catalysts significantly enhance toluene degradation and alter by-product profiles in DBD reactors.
- Optimizing operating conditions and catalyst selection is key to mitigating NOx formation during plasma-assisted toluene removal.
- Oxygen active species and hydroxyl radicals play a dominant role in NOx suppression mechanisms.
