Plasma based toluene abatement in indoor air: removal efficiency and degradation pathways

摘要

A DC positive streamer discharge has been characterized by measuring current/voltage relation, ozone and NOx production. Due to its relevance in the field of indoor air treatment, the effect of humidity was examined. The goal of this research is to use the corona discharge reactor for the abatement of low levels of toluene from indoor air. Experiments proved that toluene (concentrationin = 0.5 ppm, flow rate = 10 L.min-1) could be oxidized by the corona discharge. In order to understand the reaction mechanisms in atmospheric non-thermal plasmas, degradation products were identified. A decomposition model was proposed based on OH radical chemistry. Chemical kinetic data showed that this plasma species plays an important role in the oxidation of volatile organic compounds.