Search

This study focuses on the synthesis and application of Co3O4 nanorods in post plasma catalysis (PPC) for toluene degradation. Results show that the addition of catalyst significantly improves the efficiency of the PPC system. Using non-thermal plasma (NTP) alone, O3 was produced and successfully used to completely oxidize toluene. Moreover, the system exhibits higher carbon dioxide selectivity and significantly reduces the production of VOCs and NOx. The nanorod structure of the catalyst plays a critical role in its remarkable performance due to the high surface area and more catalytic sites for reaction. Analysis of toluene degradation at various input powers showed complete oxidation at 40 W. These results indicate that the combination of cobalt oxide nanorods and NTP post plasma catalysis is a practical approach to lowering toluene and other unwanted secondary pollutants. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of Co3O4 nanorods as an effective catalyst for PPC systems in the treatment of volatile organic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, hollow structured Co3O4 nanospheres were prepared and applied in post plasma catalysis. The employed catalyst increased its potential to degrade the toluene efficiently. The study verified complete oxidation of toluene upon efficiently using O3 produced during the process. It also shows higher carbon dioxide selectivity, no risk of other VOCs' production and significant reduction in NOx production. The excellent performance resulted due to the peculiar structure of employed catalyst providing high surface area with greater number of catalytic sites. Furthermore, toluene degradation at different input powers was analyzed and found its complete removal at 40 W. All results obtained during the study indicate coupling of NTP with Co3O4 hollow nanospheres as the most viable approach for the control of toluene and other secondary byproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represent a very important class of pollutants that causes serious health effects. There is an urgent requirement to establish efficient technologies that can reduce and control VOCs. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) is an emerging technology that can decompose low concentration VOCs. However, the low efficiency and high power cost are major hindrances in its commercialization. In this work, Co–Cu with TiO2 support catalysts are prepared by using the deposition precipitation method and utilized in post-plasma catalysis for the efficient degradation of toluene selected as a model VOC. The synergistic effect of Co–Cu/TiO2 with different Co/Cu molar ratios along with pure Co/TiO2 and Cu/TiO2 catalysts are studied for their catalytic activity. Results showed that the degradation efficiency of toluene for the control experiments (plasma-alone) increased from 10 to 85% with the increase in input power from 11 to 44 W. In comparison, a significant improvement in the degradation efficiency is achieved with post-plasma catalysis owing to better physicochemical properties such as particle surface area and microstructures of the Co–Cu/TiO2 catalysts. The Co50–Cu50/TiO2 exhibited highest degradation efficiency of toluene, i.e. 55% being 5.5 times higher than control at lowest input power of 11 W while 96% at the highest input power of 44 W, attributed to interaction of Co and Cu species, adsorbed oxygen content, and redox properties by exchange of pairs Co+3/Co+2 and Cu+2/Co+3. In summary, the post-plasma catalysis integrated with Co50–Cu50/TiO2 catalyst rendered optimal outcomes in terms of power consumption and degradation of VOCs, envisioning commercial viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]