Trichloroethylene (TCE), a chlorinated hydrocarbon, has been extensively used as a metal degreaser, as an electronic component cleaner, and used in paint and ink production and is an environmental concern, especially in areas where dumping of industrial waste has occurred. Much research has been done to develop methods to degrade chlorinated hydrocarbons, like TCE, to more environmentally benign alkanes and alkenes. Previous research has allowed for the development of a heterogeneous rhodium catalyst (5 wt % Rh/Al2O3). In this study, the kinetics of the catalytic degradation of TCE by this rhodium catalyst in Lake Sagatagan (Collegeville, MN) water were studied under mild conditions (1 atm. H2, 25oC). The year-round seasonal effects on the activity of this catalyst have been studied and compared to previous seasonal and yearly water samples. Some inorganic salts were also tested to see if they effected the degradation rates. A better understanding of the environmental effects on the catalytic degradation of TCE will allow for easier application of remediation methods. Reactions in deionized water were fastest, with an average degradation rate of 0.02 ± 0.01 min-1, while reaction rates obtained from different seasonal lake water were consistent at 0.005 ± 0.003 min-1.

Hydrodechlorination of trichloroethylene using rhodium 5% wt on alumina catalyst

2019 Spring National Meeting

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