TiO2-assisted degradation of a perfluorinated surfactant in aqueous solutions treated by gliding arc discharge

The plasma-chemical degradation of Forafac 1110, a perfluorinated non-ionic surfactant, in aqueous solutions was investigated using TiO2 catalysts. The considered plasma was the gliding arc in humid air, which results from an electric discharge at atmospheric pressure and quasi-ambient temperature. Two titanium dioxide powders were used and their synergistic effects on the Forafac degradation were compared. The results were discussed through the evolution of the pH, the conductivity, the fluoride ions concentration released in solutions, the surfactant concentration remaining after treatment and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurement. The combination of the plasma-chemical treatment with heterogeneous catalysis through the use of TiO2 accelerated the Forafac degradation, since only 60 min was sufficient to remove 96% instead of 360 min needed in the absence of TiO2. The use of anatase and rutile under the trade-name of Rhodia TiO2 and Merck TiO2, respectively, led to different results, because Rhodia TiO2 has proven to be more efficient. It would seem that the crystalline phase as well as the crystallite size, explain the efficiency of anatase. The advantage of the plasma-catalysis is due to the fact that there is a significant production of the OH center dot radicals not only generated by the gliding arc discharge but also by TiO2. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.