Optimization of Rotating Plasma Torch for 2-CEES Decontamination

Conventional wet chemical decontaminants are effective against chemical agents but exhibit strong corrosive and irritating properties, which can severely damage sensitive material surfaces. In contrast, plasma technology has emerged as a green and efficient dry decontamination method that has attracted significant interest from researchers. This study presents a plasma torch reactor designed with a rotating nozzle for chemical agents decontamination. The optimal parameters including gas pressure and discharge frequency were determined for effective and safety contamination. The plasma torch exhibited a high degradation efficiency of 97.34%, 98.81%, 91.83%, and 85.53% for 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES) spread on ABS plastic, aramid fabric, PC plastic, and butyl rubber surface, respectively. Further studies showed that plasma exhibited no damage of various objects, highlighting the technology’s potential in rapid and safe on-site response scenarios.