Combination of photocatalysis downstream the non-thermal plasma reactor for oxidation of gas-phase toluene.

Ozone is an undesirable byproduct of non-thermal plasma (NTP) for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) control. Photocatalysis combined downstream the NTP reactor and ozone was utilized to oxidize toluene. The multiple synergies of O(3)/UV/TiO(2) system and the mechanism of toluene decomposition were investigated. The influence factors such as energy density, humidity and UV sources were also intensively studied. The combination of photocatalysis in the post-plasma increased the conversion of toluene and ozone to almost 80 and 90%, respectively. Water vapor played a dual role in toluene destruction and ozone removal. In total, 0.75% humidity had the best conversion of toluene and ozone at these experimental conditions. The conversion of toluene enhanced with increasing ozone removal. Among the multiple oxidation processes in the O(3)/UV/TiO(2) system, the O(3)/TiO(2) process played a key role in the decomposition of toluene.