The vocs abatement by non-equilibrium plasma processes

An overview on abatement of toxic volatile organic compounds (vocs) by rapidly emerging non-equilibrium plasma techniques is presented. These techniques are economically cheaper, technologically simple, and more effective than the conventional Vocs abatement techniques. Basic mechanisms of the plasma processes, i. e. energization of free electrons followed by production of chemically active species, and finally destruction of VOCs by the active species are described. Principles helpful in predicting the VOCs destruction behavior in non-equilibrium plasma reactors are introduced along with the relevant literature citation. Recent developments in the techniques, particularly on hybridization of non-equilibrium plasma techniques with catalysis and adsorption techniques, are discussed. The hybrid techniques have a greater chance of industrial acceptance because of the improvement in destruction efficiency, and because of the possibility of better control over the by-product selectivity. (author)