Photocatalytic oxidation of TCE and MTBE in the Gas phase

Photocatalysis is a promising method for eliminating the volatile organic compounds emitted
from various industrial processes because mild or ambient conditions are used. Titanium
dioxide is commonly used as photocatalyst and ultraviolet light is utilized for decomposing gas
phase pollutants. In the present work, the photocatalytic oxidation of methyl tert butyl ether
(MTBE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) in the gas phase was studied. The impact of residence
time, TCE/MTBE concentration and oxygen concentration on TCE/MTBE conversion and byproduct
formation was examined. Acetone and tert-butyl formate were detected at the reactor
outlet from MTBE decomposition, whereas dichloroacetyl chloride (DCAC) and phosgene
were found as by-products of TCE oxidation. The residence time affected dramatically both
TCE and MTBE photo-oxidation as well as by-products existence and configuration. In
contrast, the variation of oxygen inlet concentration affected significantly only MTBE
conversion. Finally, the increase in MTBE and TCE inlet concentration had as a result
decreased conversions observed.