THE THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE VAPOUR. II.

Abstract

The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide vapour has been investigated at low pressures (5 to 6 mm.) in the temperature range 50° to 420 °C., for the purpose of determining the effect of the nature and treatment of the active surfaces. The reaction was followed in an all-glass apparatus and, except in one case, with one-litre round flasks as reaction vessels. Soft glass, Pyrex, quartz, and metallized surfaces variously treated were used. In most cases the decomposition was found to be mainly of the first order but the rates varied markedly from one vessel to another, even with vessels made of the same type of glass. On a quartz surface the decomposition was preceded by an induction period at low temperatures. Fusing the glass vessels slowed the reaction considerably and increased its apparent activation energy; this effect was destroyed by acid washing. Attempts to poison the surface with hydrocyanic acid gave no noticeable result. The marked importance of surface effects at all temperatures is considered as an indication that the reaction was predominantly heterogeneous under the prevailing conditions. Values ranging from 8 to 20 kcal. were found for the apparent energy of activation. It is concluded that the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide vapour is not very specific as far as the nature of the catalyst is concerned.