Effect of Phosgene in Gas-Phase Photocatalytic Oxidation Reaction of Trichloroethylene Using TiO₂

Abstract

Photocatalytic oxidation reaction of trichloroethylene (TCE) in dried air was enhanced by the intermediates/products. Phosgene (COCl₂), resulting from the photocatalytic oxidation reaction of TCE, was found to enhance the overall oxidation reaction of TCE in the present system in two ways; 1) photodissociation of COCl₂ in the gas-phase gives Cl atoms by chlorine-photosensitized oxidation; 2) COCl₂ may be adsorbed on the surface of TiO₂ and may undergo oxidation produce Cl₂.