Chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), are a problem in many industrial areas where dumping of industrial waste has occurred. Research has grown in the area of complete degradation of these compounds to alkanes and alkenes, which are much less harmful to the environment. In this study, the thermodynamics of the degradation of TCE by a heterogeneous rhodium catalyst, 5 wt % Rh/Al2O3, were examined under various mild conditions (1 atm. H2, 25° C). Among the variations include using different seasons of natural lake water (obtained from Lake Sagatagan in Collegeville, MN) and using different concentrations of naturally-occurring inorganic salts (including sulfite, sulfate, and nitrate). The degradation of TCE to ethane was monitored using GC-FID. Reactions in DI water were fastest, with an average rate of 427.5 x 10-5 s-1mg-1 Rh/Al2O3. Higher pH levels showed an increase in reaction rate, and sodium sulfite showed significant catalyst poisoning, even though increasing concentrations increased the rate—suggesting an alternate reaction pathway.

Rh/Al2O3 catalyzed hydrodehalogenation of TCE under mild conditions

251st National Meeting (2016)

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