Nonthermal Plasma Coupled with Al2O3/Carbon for High-Performance CF4 Decomposition at Low Temperatures

CF4 is a strong greenhouse gas with a global warming potential of up to 6500, and its treatment by decomposition at the flue gas temperature range is hindered by the strong C–F bond. This work achieved, for the first time, the decomposition of CF4 at the flue gas temperature range via nonthermal plasma coupled with an aluminum/carbon catalyst with a typical decomposition efficiency of 78% for CF4 with a concentration of 10%. CF4 excited by the plasma will form many excited particles, which react with Al2O3/carbon. The CF4-derived fluorine can react with Al to form AlF3, and meanwhile, the carbon element bonds with oxygen in Al2O3 generating CO and/or CO2. The strong acid sites on the catalyst surface are the main factor in promoting CF4 decomposition. The decomposition method developed in this work provides a new approach for decomposing perfluorocarbons at low temperatures.