Oxidative Degradation of Trichloroethylene Adsorbed on Active Carbons: Use of Microwave Energy

Abstract

Trichloroethylene (TCE) adsorbed on different types of active carbons was exposed to a dry and moist air stream in the presence of 2.45 GHz microwave radiation. Active carbon beds were used becauae they absorb microwave energy and heatup. The bed temperature was estimated to be from 350 to 4000°C. The extent of TCE degradation was determined from analysis of the exit gas as well as the starting and final bed material. The highest TCE degradation (~80%) was observed for a carbon bed impregnated with CuO and Cr2O3 and exposed to moist air. Experimental results indicated that free chlorine produced from TCE degradation is very strongly held by active carbon. In addition, hydrogen chloride was found in large concentration in the exit gas. Generation of free chlorine may be avoided by using a chlorohydrocarbon and hydrocarbon mixture on such composition that the stoichiometry favors the production of hydrogen chloride. The experimental results show promise in developing new technology for microwave-enhanced detoxification of chlorohydrocarbons.