Photochemical Degradation of Some Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in Laboratory Conditions

Benz(a)Anthracene in particular, showed a higher degradation rate as compared to the Anthracene. Photochemical degradation of these PAHs was done with UV radiations (230 & 253 nm) along with TiO2 as catalyst. The best results was obtained with mixed UV (230 & 253 nm) and visible radiation along with TiO2 as catalyst This study was carried out in atmospheric conditions (78% Nitrogen and 21% Oxygen with trace of water vapor, carbon dioxide, argon and various other components in reaction tube). The maximum degradation in such condition was 63 and 78% with 8-9 new products.

Website:  http://www.arjonline.org/physical-sciences/american-research-journal-of-chemistry/