Degradation of 2,4-dichorophenol by pulsed high voltage discharge in water

► 2,4-dichorophenol was effectively degraded by pulsed high voltage discharge. ► Removal percent of 99% was achieved in 42 min with energy efficiency of 1.19 g/kWh. ► Increasing peak voltage or frequency could speed up the removal rate. ► The 2,4-dichorophenol degradation was induced by hydroxylation reaction. ► The intermediate products are identified and the degradation pathway is discussed.