Synergistic effect of plasmacatalyst and ozone in a pulsed corona discharge reactor on the decomposition of organic pollutants in water

Abstract

Plasmacatalytic effects of α-alumina, γ-alumina, and silica gel in a pulsed corona discharge (PCD) reactor on the decomposition of aqueous methylene blue are described. Methylene blue concentration in the effluent was reduced to 23% of the inlet concentration by PCDs in water. Under the same experimental conditions, addition of α-alumina further reduced it to 8%, γ-alumina to 4%, and silica gel to below the detection limits. PCDs with silica gel were run for >100 h in a continuous flow reactor and methylene blue in the effluent remained below the detection limit. A hybrid system of plasmacatalysis and ozonation is also described. Phenol concentration in the effluent was reduced to 84% of the inlet concentration by PCDs in water. Under the same experimental conditions, addition of either silica gel or ozone further reduced it to around 35%, and simultaneous addition of silica gel and ozone to 14% of inlet concentration. Decolourization of pre-adsorbed methylene blue on silica gel has been demonstrated. Adsorption and stabilization of the chemically active species on silica gel was indicated by experimental evidence. A significant improvement in the rate of decomposition of organic pollutants in water has been realized by hybridizing plasmacatalysis and ozonation in a PCD reactor.