The application of dielectric barrier discharge non-thermal plasma in VOCs abatement: A review

Abstract

This review describes the history and current status of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) non-thermal plasma (NTP) for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) abatement. Firstly, the history of DBD, the formation of microdischarge and its environmental applications were presented. Next, the status quo of DBD for VOCs removal was discussed in detail from four aspects: reactor structure (include electrode material and configuration, discharge gap and length, dielectric material and thickness, and number of dielectrics), power supplies (include applied voltage, frequency and pulsed power supply), packing materials (include packed position, properties of packing material, loaded catalyst on support and synergy of plasma and catalysis) and gas properties (include target reactants, gas flow rate, initial concentration, oxygen content and humidity level). The description of these factors is mainly based on their effects on discharge characteristics and VOCs decomposition in DBD. Subsequently, a number of aspects related to the practical implementation of DBD for VOCs treatment were described. Finally, future trends were suggested based on the existing research works.