TiO2 mediated photooxidation of trichloroethylene and toluene dissolved in fluorocarbon solvents

Titanium dioxide mediated photodegradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) and toluene dissolved in a fluorocarbon solvent (Galden® HT110) was demonstrated. The photodegradation of TCE yielded dichloroacetic acid as a major intermediate. The TCE reaction kinetics and high photoefficiency suggest autocatalysis and/or a radical chain reaction mechanism. Photooxidation of toluene is a first-order reaction. Membrane-assisted solvent extraction of TCE from water to the fluorocarbon solvent was demonstrated, and the combination of photooxidation and extraction form the basis for a novel two-stage process for the removal and destruction of organic contaminants from water.