A Novel TiO ₂ Combined Pulsed Diaphragm Discharge System for Phenol Degradation

A synergistic photocatalysis combined pulsed diaphragm discharge (PDD) system with TiO ₂ nanofilm deposited on the surface of quartz diaphragm is developed for the first time for phenol degradation in an aqueous solution. It is observed that the decomposition efficiency of phenol in the TiO ₂ combined PDD system is higher than that of the single PDD system under the same conditions, indicating a successful collaboration between the photocatalysis and the plasma decomposition in the present system. Analysis of the solution’s pH value confirms this collaboration and further reveals that the photocatalytic enhancement effect of phenol degradation is strong at a relatively low supplied voltage. The present TiO ₂ combined PDD system exhibits improved efficiencies of pollutant degradation and energy utilization, suggesting a good candidate for wastewater treatment.