Destruction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene by novel porphyrin-based photocatalys

Scope and Method of Study. Biosphere contamination via the production, handling and use of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) has created a daunting remediation challenge. The class of chemical compounds known as porphyrins have demonstrated the capability to convert TNT to more environmentally friendly compounds. The development and demonstration of a porphyrin-based photocatalyst is outlined in this dissertation.;Findings and Conclusions. The modification of TNT via the porphyrin-based photocatalyst was characterized via gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography and ion chromatography. The mineralization of TNT proceeds via the oxidation of the methyl group to yield CO2 and the reduction of the --NO2 groups to amines and their removal as ammonia.