Effective dielectric barrier discharge reactor operation for decomposition of volatile organic compounds

Abstract

Abstract The effectiveness of a surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor was evaluated over a range of relative humidiy (RH), discharge areas and applied powers. Primary goals included maximizing toluene decomposition efficiency and CO2 selectivity while maintaining a high specific energy density and energy yield. Humidity was a limiting factor, although it did not significantly increase the energy efficiency of the system. A RH of 20% was found to be optimal for toluene abatement, and large discharge areas decreased the energy yield by increasing the rate of power consumption. At a frequency of 60 Hz and an applied voltage of 4.3 kV, 8.4, 6.4 and 4.3 g/kWh of toluene was removed at discharge areas of 215, 430 and 645 cm2, respectively. Energy efficiency was also reduced at high applied power by ozone formation in the reactor.