Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are
carbon-based compounds emitted by industries into the atmosphere and have been
known to cause human health issues such as headaches, seizures, fatigue, along
with environmental issues, such as smog, acid rain, and poor air quality. The
purpose of this study is to study and develop better abatement methods for VOC
compounds, specifically dichloromethane (DCM) and tetrahydrofuran (THF). These
experiments also examined Pt /Al2O3 as a potential
catalyst for both DCM and THF oxidation. By measuring the temperatures and
speeds in which DCM and THF are oxidized, one can determine the most effective
catalysts for their abatement. Catalytic oxidation tests included: two
different concentrations of each compound, combining THF and DCM, addition of
water to THF, and combining THF, DCM and water. The experiments were carried
out over a period of 6 days, with repetitions of 3 of the tests to ensure the
repeatability. Results demonstrate that THF facilitates oxidation when added to
DCM, as well as an enhanced HCl yield, and that water hinders the rate of THF
oxidation.
