TIO2 MEDIATED PHOTOOXIDATION OF TRICHLOROETHYLENE AND TOLUENE, DISSOLVED IN FLUOROCARBON SOLVENTS

Titanium dioxide mediated photodegradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) and toluene dissolved in a fluorocarbon solvent (Galden(R) HT110) was demonstrated. The photodegradation of TCE yielded dichloroacetic acid as a major intermediate. The TCE reaction kinetics and high photoeffic iency suggest autocatalysis and/or a radical chain reaction mechanism. Photooxidation of toluene is a first-order reaction. Membrane-assiste d solvent extraction of TCE from water to the fluorocarbon solvent was demonstrated, and the combination of photooxidation and extraction fo rm the basis for a novel two-stage process for the removal and destruc tion of organic contaminants from water.