Operando DRIFT Spectroscopy Characterization of Intermediate Species on Catalysts Surface in VOC Removal from Air by Non-thermal Plasma Assisted Catalysis

An innovative plasma discharge reactor was developed to fit an infrared cell and to allow the in situ characterization of isopropanol (IPA) and toluene decomposition at the surface of three metal oxides (gamma-Al2O3, TiO2 and CeO2). The impact of the plasma discharge on the conversion of these pollutants, with the material placed in the discharge area, was studied under real time conditions at atmospheric pressure via infrared analysis. The plasma treatment of IPA molecules led to the formation of acetone, propene, acetic acid and/or formic acid. By contrast, the toluene oxidation led to the rapid opening of the aromatic ring, followed by the total oxidation through carboxylic formation of the species arising from the toluene molecules fragmentation.