Non-thermal plasma coupled with catalysis for VOCs abatement: A review

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from various industrial processes are extremely harmful pollutants. They are involved in the formation of ozone, photochemical smog, and fine particles (PM2.5) in the atmosphere, which pose considerable threat to human healthy and ecosystem safety. The hybrid plasma-catalytic technology that uses non-thermal plasma (NTP) and catalysts is an efficient method for VOC abatement. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the removal of VOCs with this technology. First, the synergistic effects and mechanisms of NTP and catalysts are discussed. Then, the properties of the catalysts, including types, positions, and other parameters, are explored. Specific examples of VOCs abated using the NTP-catalyst technology are reviewed, along with the main types and the causes of by-products. Several methods, such as the optimization of process parameters and the utilization of end control, are considered efficient for the regulation of product formations. Finally, future perspectives on the applications of this hybrid technology are briefly discussed. (c) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from industrial processes are harmful pollutants, and hybrid plasma-catalytic technology is an efficient method for their removal. The synergy between non-thermal plasma (NTP) and catalysts plays a key role in VOC abatement. Specific examples of VOCs removed using the NTP-catalyst technology are reviewed, with emphasis on controlling by-products and discussing future applications.