VOCs degradation with non-thermal plasma and Ag-MnOx catalysis

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) is effective for degradation of aromatic molecules, achieving complete mineralization, however, is difficult. In contrast, thermal catalysis may be very effective toward achieving complete mineralization at high temperatures. Its drawbacks at a low processing temperature are undesirable intermediate byproducts production. By integrating dielectric barrier discharge with home-made Ag-MnOx catalyst, we have succeeded in achieving both VOCs complete decomposition and without toxic byproducts production. As an example, this paper reports toluene decomposition in air. The effects of the reaction temperature and the plasma specific energy density on the decomposition efficiency and byproducts formation are experimentally investigated. Very effective synergetic effect between the NTP and catalyst has been observed for VOCs decomposition.