Non-thermal plasma coupled with catalysis for VOCs abatement: A review

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from various industrial processes are extremely harmful pollutants. They are involved in the formation of ozone, photochemical smog, and fine particles (PM2.5) in the atmosphere, which pose considerable threat to human healthy and ecosystem safety. The hybrid plasma-catalytic technology that uses non-thermal plasma (NTP) and catalysts is an efficient method for VOC abatement. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the removal of VOCs with this technology. First, the synergistic effects and mechanisms of NTP and catalysts are discussed. Then, the properties of the catalysts, including types, positions, and other parameters, are explored. Specific examples of VOCs abated using the NTP-catalyst technology are reviewed, along with the main types and the causes of by-products. Several methods, such as the optimization of process parameters and the utilization of end control, are considered efficient for the regulation of product formations. Finally, future perspectives on the applications of this hybrid technology are briefly discussed.