Dichloro-difluoro-methane (CFC- 12) was decomposed with non-thermal plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge where one electrode was covered with liquid film which could provide oxidants such as OH and also absorb acid gases produced by the decomposition. The experimental results indicated that the conversion of CFC-12 and the selectivity of CO2 were improved by the installation of the water film at low discharge voltage, however, the installation reduced the power efficiency for the decomposition. Sodium hydroxide solution enhanced the absorption of Cl and F produced by the decomposition, while the conversion of CFC-12 was not affected. The study concluded that the simultaneous decomposition of CFC-12 and recovery of the halogenous product could be achieved using dielectric barrier discharge with liquid film electrode. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.