Gas-phase removal of acetaldehyde via packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge reactor

The effectiveness of applying packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge (PBDB D) technology for removing acetaldehyde from gas streams was investigated. Operating parameters examined in this study include applied voltage, oxygen content, and gas-flow rate. Experimental results indicate that the destruc tion efficiency of acetaldehyde predominantly depends on the applied voltag e. Removal of 99% of acetaldehyde has been achieved for gas streams contain ing 1000 ppmv acetaldehyde, 5% oxygen, with nitrogen as the carrier gas. Th e oxygen content in the gas stream plays an important role in removing acet aldehyde within PBDBD. A higher CH3CHO removal efficiency is achieved for t he gas stream containing less oxygen, since it will dissipate energy due to its electronegative property. Carbon dioxide is the major end product whic h is less hazardous to the environment and to human health. However, undesi rable products, e.g., NO2 and N2O CH3OC2H5, CH3COOH, CH3NO2, HCN, CH3NO3, a nd CH3OH, are detected as well.