Kinetics of Ibuprofen Degradation in Aqueous Solution by the Action of Direct-Current Glow Discharge in Air

The kinetics of decomposition of ibuprofen in its aqueous solution by the action of atmospheric-pressure direct-current discharge in ambient air has been studied. The treated solution served as both the cathode and the anode of the discharge system. Degradation rates and effective degradation rate constants have been determined. Based on these data, the energy yields and degrees of destruction were calculated for various discharge powers (discharge currents). Discharges in a liquid cathode and anode differ little in the energy yields of degradation. But the rates and rate constants of degradation in the liquid cathode are higher than in the liquid anode. Therefore, the complete destruction of ibuprofen in the liquid cathode is achieved within shorter discharge times. A comparison is made of the destruction efficiencies for the cases of solution treatment using glow, dielectric barrier, and pulsed corona discharges.