Removal of SO₂ and NO from gas streams with combined plasma photolysis

Combined plasma photolysis (CPP) has been developed and experimentally demonstrated as a new method to simultaneously remove SO, and NO from gas streams. This laboratory-scale device integrates the use of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma and ultraviolet radiation. The composition, temperature, and pressure of the treated gas streams simulate gases typically generated by the combustion of fossil fuels. Simultaneous removal efficiencies for SO₂ and NO are as high as 29% and 79%, respectively. CPP enhances SO₂ removal efficiencies by 25% when compared to using DBDs only. NO removal efficiency achieved by CPP is 9% less than NO removal efficiency achieved by DBDs only. SO₂ and NO removal efficiencies are limited by the power deposited into the gas stream that could be achieved with the existing power supply. This new device shows promise as a new technique to simultaneously remove SO₂ and NO from gas streams generated by the combustion of fossil fuels.