Efficient degradation of gaseous benzene by VUV photolysis combined with ozone-assisted catalytic oxidation: Performance and mechanism

Abstract Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photolysis is a simple way to destroy volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, its application is greatly limited by the formation of O 3 byproduct and the low degradation capacity. In this study, we are the first combining an efficient Mn/ZSM-5 catalyst with VUV photolysis to eliminate O 3 and improve VOC degradation efficiency via ozone-assisted catalytic oxidation (OZCO). Results indicate that the benzene removal efficiency is only 48% with 83 ppm residual O 3 in the VUV photolysis process. However, both benzene and O 3 were completely removed after the adoption of the Mn/ZSM-5 catalyst. O 3 can be efficiently decomposed by Mn/ZSM-5 and used for benzene degradation through the OZCO. The possible degradation pathways and mechanism in such a novel VUV-OZCO process was proposed according to the identified products and intermediates. This study provides an efficient and promising process and unique insights for the degradation of VOCs.