Catalysis-assisted Decomposition of Aqueous 2, 4, 6-Trinitrotoluene by Pulsed High Voltage Discharge Process

TNT removal by the combination of high voltage pulsed discharge plasma and different catalysts with various concentration was investigated. In the case of 9.8 kV peak pulsed voltage and 120Hz pulsed frequency, the degradation rate of 30 mg/L TNT solution with pH value of 6.8 reached 66.1% after 60 min treatment. It was showed that Fe2+ had a remarkable catalytic effect on degradation of TNT. When the concentration of Fe2+ was 0.15 mmol/L, it promoted the TNT degradation, and 84.0% removal was obtained. However, addition of H2O2 into TNT solution inhibited the TNT removal, especially at the initial reaction. After 120min treatment, the degradation efficiency of 100mg/L TNT was 87%, and COD reduced 80%. The results indicated that TNT could be efficiently removed by high voltage pulsed discharge plasma.