Development of a biphasic electroreactor with a wet scrubbing system for the removal of gaseous benzene

ACS Comb Sci. 2013 Aug 12;15(8):439-46. doi: 10.1021/co400046g. Epub 2013 Aug 2.

Abstract

An efficient, continuous flow electroreactor system comprising a scrubbing column (for absorption) and a biphasic electroreactor (for degradation) was developed to treat gas streams containing benzene. Initial benzene absorption studies using a continuous flow bubble column containing absorbents like 40% sulfuric acid, 10% silicone oil (3, 5, 10 cSt), or 100% silicone oil showed that 100% silicone oil is the most suitable. A biphasic batch electroreactor based on 50 mL of silicone oil and 100 mL of activated Co(III) (activated electrochemically) in 40% sulfuric acid demonstrated that indirect oxidation of benzene is possible by Co(III). Combined experiments on the wet scrubbing column and biphasic electroreactor (BP-ER) were performed to determine the feasibility of benzene removal, which is reside in the silicone oil medium. In semidynamic scrubbing with BP-ER experiments using an aqueous electroreactor volume of 2 L, and an inlet gas flow and a gaseous benzene concentration were 10 Lmin(-1) and 100 ppm, respectively, benzene removal efficiency is 75% in sustainable way. The trend of CO2 evolution is well correlated with benzene recovery in the BP-ER. The addition of sodiumdodecyl sulfate (SDS) enhanced the recovery of silicone oil without affecting benzene removal. This process is promising for the treatment of high concentrations of gaseous benzene.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzene / isolation & purification*
  • Carbon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Electrochemistry / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Design
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Gases / isolation & purification*
  • Silicones / chemistry
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / chemistry

Substances

  • Gases
  • Silicones
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
  • Benzene