Rapid decomposition of chloroform by a liquid phase plasma reaction with titanium dioxide and hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

• Chloroform in aqueous solution was successfully degraded by liquid phase plasma reaction. • The operation parameters of power supply played an important role in the chloroform degradation reaction. • Degradation rate of chloroform is proportional to an increase in operation parameter. • Addition of titanium dioxide or hydrogen peroxide to liquid phase plasma reaction improved the degradation of chloroform. • When titanium dioxide and hydrogen peroxide used simultaneously, the synergetic effect was observed. The degradation of chloroform in a liquid phase plasma (LPP) reactor was examined according to the operating parameters and other influencing factors. The operating parameters included the applied voltage, frequency, and pulse width. The effects of titanium dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, and their combination on the degradation of chloroform were evaluated in terms of the influencing factors. Increasing the operating parameters up to the maximum allowed in the LPP process made chloroform decompose much faster than that of the minimum. On the other hand, increasing either the titanium dioxide or hydrogen peroxide concentrations in the reactant solution did not always destroy the chloroform efficiently compared to degradation without their loading. Although the impact of titanium dioxide was slightly higher than that of hydrogen peroxide, the synergistic effect between them enhanced the breakdown of chloroform further. Overall, both the operating parameters and influencing factors should be determined carefully to maximize the decomposition efficiency in the given treatment system, particularly for processes involving the LPP reaction.