| Title: | Abatement and degradation pathways of toluene in indoor air by positive corona discharge |
| Author(s): | Van Durme J; Dewulf J; Sysmans W; Leys C; Van Langenhove H; |
| Address: | "Research Group EnVOC, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium" |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.03.053 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 0045-6535 (Print) 0045-6535 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Indoor air concentrations of volatile organic compounds often exceed outdoor levels by a factor of 5. There is much interest in developing new technologies in order to improve indoor air quality. In this work non-thermal plasma (DC positive corona discharge) is explored as an innovative technology for indoor air purification. An inlet gas stream of 10 l min(-1) containing 0.50+/-0.02 ppm toluene was treated by the plasma reactor in atmospheric conditions. Toluene removal proved to be achievable with a characteristic energy density epsilon(0) of 50 J l(-1). Removal efficiencies were higher for 26% relative humidity (epsilon(0)=35 J l(-1)), compared with those at increased humidities (50% relative humidity, epsilon(0)=49 J l(-1)). Reaction products such as formic acid, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol, 4-methyl-2-nitrophenol, 4-methyl-2-propyl furan, 5-methyl-2-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol, 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol are identified by means of mass spectrometry. Based on these by-products a toluene degradation mechanism is proposed" |
| Keywords: | "Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis/*prevention & control Electrochemistry Humidity Molecular Structure Toluene/*chemistry Volatilization;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineVan Durme, J Dewulf, J Sysmans, W Leys, C Van Langenhove, H eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2007/05/11 Chemosphere. 2007 Aug; 68(10):1821-9. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.03.053. Epub 2007 May 8" |
