Reaction of dichloromethane under non-oxidative conditions in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor and characterisation of the resultant polymer

• Non-oxidative treatment of DCM is explored using non-equilibrium plasma.
• The reaction mechanism relies on experimental data and quantum chemical analysis.
• Comprehensive mass balance for the reaction is provided.
• DCM is converted to an environmentally benign and potentially useful polymer.
• Characterisation of the polymer structure based on NMR analyses is presented.

This paper presents the results of dichloromethane (DCM) decomposition to polymers utilising dielectric barrier discharge under non-oxidative reaction conditions. The conversion levels, mass balance, reaction mechanism and polymer characterisation in relation to DCM reaction are presented in this paper. Reaction pathways describing the decomposition of DCM and subsequent formation of the major products are outlined. Speculation of the mechanism of formation of CHCl3 and C2HCl3 are supported by quantum chemical calculations. In addition, the effect of introducing methane in the reaction feed on the conversion level of DCM and the polymer structure is also examined in this paper.