Isovaleraldehyde degradation using UV photocatalytic and dielectric barrier discharge reactors, and their combinations

• Langmuir–Hinshelwood model fitted isovaleraldehyde UV photocatalytic degradation.
• Operational parameters were studied in DBD treatment of isovaleraldehyde.
• Coupled system provided a synergic improvement in the removal efficiency.
• Sequence of reactors affected significantly to degradation efficiency of VOC.

The abatement of isovaleraldehyde present in air was carried out in UV photocatalytic and dielectric barrier discharge reactors (and their combinations) for concentrations up to 150 mg C m−3 and air flow rates ranging from 4 to 10 m3 h−1. A kinetic study was performed following a Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Photocatalytic treatment of an isovaleraldehyde and isovaleric acid mixture showed a clear inhibition of isovaleric acid abatement in presence of isovaleraldehyde. Dielectric barrier discharge treatment of isovaleraldehyde showed an increase of removal efficiency with applied voltage and a decrease with air flow rate and inlet concentration. Moreover, introduction of a catalyst into the dielectric barrier discharge reactor did not produce a significant effect (UV light off). However, a combination of both techniques significantly increased isovaleraldehyde removal efficiency, indicating the treatment technique sequence had an effect on system performance. In conclusion, combined treatment showed promising results for the removal of VOCs, providing a synergic improvement in the removal of isovaleraldehyde.