Heterogeneous decomposition of trichlorofluoromethane on carbonaceous surfaces

Abstract

The interaction of trichlorofluoromethane with activated charcoal has been investigated by dynamic mass spectrometry up to 750 K. Prior physical adsorption, revealed in programmed desorption experiments, is followed by irreversible first-order decay with formation of nearly equimolar amounts of HCl above 550 K. This unexpectedly fast process has an apparent activation energy of only 59.4 kJ mol^–1 and is demonstrably catalytic. The mechanism of Cl₃CF decomposition on carbon surfaces and its possible impact on atmospheric chemistry are discussed.