Decomposition of Trichloroethylene
The ASN Cray is being used to study the decomposition of trichloroethylene (TCE) in a silent discharge plasma with a view to scaling up the process so that water containing TCE can be treated. The programs used were MOPAC version 6, AMPAC version 2.1, an d AMPAC version 4, a program which adds the effect of solvation to any desired structure. Reaction pathways resulting in the decomposition of TCE into carbon dioxide and chlorine are predicted. Both of these products can be scrubbed and subsequently disp osed of by approved methods or recovered as usable products.
Research performed by: E.I. Newhouse, W.C. Neely, E.J. Clothiaux, and J.W. Rogers Departments of Chemistry and Physics, Auburn University
This group at Auburn University is studying the destruction of organic compounds using non-thermal discharges in a partnership with Eglin Air Force Base.