Decomposition of energetic materials by pulsed electrical discharges in gas-bubbled aqueous solutions

Oksana Mozgina, A. Koutsospyros, S. Gershman, A. Belkind, C. Christodoulatos, K. Becker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The application of high-voltage pulsed electrical discharges in bubbled water (PDBWs) for the remediation of solutions containing energetic compounds such as RDX, HMX, and TNT was investigated. Using low-energy pulses (∼300 mJ/pulse), it was found that the PDBW was highly selective toward the type of energetic compound. The effects of a catalyst and of the pH value of the solution on the degradation of energetic compounds were also studied. HMX decomposition is most effective when the PDBW is used at low pH under Fenton reaction conditions. The degradation efficiency was higher for oxygen O2 than for argon (Ar) as the bubbled gas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)905-910
Number of pages6
JournalIEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
Volume37
Issue number6 PART 1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Keywords

  • Destruction of energetic compounds
  • Fenton reaction
  • Pulsed electrical discharges

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Condensed Matter Physics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Decomposition of energetic materials by pulsed electrical discharges in gas-bubbled aqueous solutions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this