The degradation of aqueous phenol solutions by pulsed positive corona discharges

The Advanced Oxidation Process pulsed corona discharges have been utilized for the degradation of phenol in aqueous solution. The pulsed positive corona discharges are struck in the ambient gas phase over the solution. Experiments have been performed using both an air and argon atmosphere. Phenol conversion and the production of major oxidation products in the solution have been determined, using ion-exclusion chromatography with UV absorbance and conductivity detectors in series. The corona pulse energy has been measured from voltage and current waveforms using capacitive current correction. Oxidation products are polyhydroxybenzenes and carboxylic acids. Even though phenol conversion efficiencies by pulsed positive corona discharges in air and argon are similar, the degradation pathways are different.