Electrochemically synthesized Molybdenum oxides for enhancement of atmospheric pressure non-thermal pulsating corona plasma induced degradation of an organic compound

Abstract MoO2 and MoO3 were applied as catalysts for plasma degradation of organic compound. They were prepared by electrodeposition (MoO2) and electrodeposition followed by thermal treatment (MoO3), and then characterized by the cyclic voltammetry, SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR. The RB 19 was degraded by self-made non-thermal atmospheric pressure pulsating plasma corona reactor. Decolourization mechanism, parameters, kinetics, and influence of the catalysts were examined. Mo-oxides enhanced degradation reactions rate constants by 45% – 50%, increased decolourization rate at all the tested pHs, discharged current densities, and decreased energy consumption. Degradation followed the pseudo-first kinetics order and proceeded via plasma-generated ⋅OH radical, which attacked dye molecule; MoO2 and MoO3, excited by plasma-generated UV radiation and high-energy chemical species bombardment, enhanced decomposition of plasma-generated H2O2 into ⋅OH radicals, thus enhancing production of degradation agent. Higher percentage of mineralization was attained in the presence of catalysts, which maintained their degradation activity after 5 uses.