A Study on the Decomposition of 1, 1, 2-Trichloro-1, 2, 2-trifluoroethane (CFC 113) by Honeycomb Catalyst

Abstract

Chlorofluorocarbons have been used extensively as refrigerants, detergents and foaming agents for their excellent physical and chemical prope rties. However, because of their stability, they are rapidly being accumulated in the gloval environment; causing the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer. For this reason, the emission of specified CFCs to the environment has becom e regulated by the Montreal Protocol. But there is no agreed method for decomposing CFCs. Thus, the establishment of the decomposition method of CFCs has become a worldwide urgent problem.
Benzene was used as a decomposing agent in this study. It was combusted at the reaction temperature of 900°C. A catalyst was heated by the heat of combustion of it and decomposed CFC 113. The electric power was turned off when the decomposition of CFC 113 started. The reaction temperature, however, increased to 1100°C, and was maintained. The decomposition of CFC 113 was continued at that time. It was found that the highest decomposition efficiency was 80% at the more ratio of benzene/ CFC 113 of 20/ 1 in this experiment.