Degradation of methyl orange by atmospheric DBD plasma: Analysis of the degradation effects and degradation path

The degradation process of methyl orange solution by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma using a board-DBD reactor was studied. The percentage destruction reached 99% after 35 min treatment. The pH value of the methyl orange solution decreased with the treatment time and it reached a constant value when discharged for 20 min. The COD value of the methyl orange solution decreased by 57.9% for 30 min treatment. The degradation path was suggested based on the analysis of the molecular structure of methyl orange, intermediate products and the molecular bond energies.

► Methyl orange solution was treated using DBD plasma. ► The percentage destruction reaches 99% after 35 mins treatment. ► Three stages were suggested for the methyl orange solution degradation. ► The degradation path of methyl orange molecules was analyzed.