Decomposition+of+Hydrogen+Peroxide+by+Catalysts

The Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide by Catalysts


 * < **Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide. Nico Olson-Studler. ** In this lab the highly reactive oxygen species, hydrogen peroxide, was examined for its correlation to senile graying of hair in humans. Hydrogen peroxide that accumulates at the follicles of our hair is naturally decomposed with the presence of catalysts or the enzyme catalase excreted from the pores on the scalp. Over time the production of catalysts that break down hydrogen peroxide are inhibited, thus propelling larger levels of hydrogen peroxide over its solvent. Different substitutes of catalysts that react with hydrogen peroxide were tested for efficacy in reversing the all too common natural bleaching of hair. Copper, iron, and manganese oxides, along with shaved potato skins were used in the reaction with hydrogen peroxide. Occurring in a closed system, any change in pressure and temperature were closely recorded. The purpose of the lab was to verify a practical replacement catalyst to decompose hydrogen peroxide effectively. None of the experimented solutions merited consideration of a likely substitute for a catalyst, since none could both effectively react quickly and maintain a temperature close to room temperature. Manganese oxide was the only substance to react quickly enough, but with such a rapid increase in temperature would be unbearable on the scalp. Keywords: Hydrogen peroxide, decomposition, catalysts  ||

//Key words: Hydrogen Peroxide, Catalyst, Decomposition//
 * Abstract**
 * DECOMPOSITION OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE THROUGH CATLYTIC REACTIONS Joe Klein.** The purpose of this lab was to find a catalyst that decomposes hydrogen peroxide. The ideal catalyst would react quickly at low temperature and decompose all the hydrogen peroxide. The ideal gas law helped measure the reaction rate by measuring the oxygen gas emission through pressure. Thermochemistry was used to calculate the expected temperature change in the solution corresponding to the reaction rate. Manganese (IV) oxide was the only hydrogen peroxide catalyst that reaction rate was fast enough for applicable use. The other catalyst reacted too slowly or did not decompose all of the hydrogen peroxide. Manganese (IV) oxide is the best catalyst to decompose hydrogen peroxide quickly. However, more extensive research would need done to find a catalyst that does not increase in temperature as much.

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 * Audio File**

6 Different Catalysts Decompose Hydrogen Peroxide at Seperate Rates: []


 * Figure 1: Lab apparatus, Erlenmeyer Flask**


 * Summary Graphic: Before and After Photos of Hair Exposed to Treated and Untreated Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions**

Journal Citation

Wood, J. M. (2009). Senile Hair Graying. //The FASEB Journal//, //23//, 7. Retrieved May 9, 2011, from http://www.fasebj.org/content/23/7/2065.short Senile Hair Graying This article explains that hair graying is caused by hydrogen peroxide build up in the hair follicle. The hair follicle usually produces an enzyme, catlase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide into oxygen gas and water. With age the chemical that stimulates the creation of catalase looses functionality, thus causing hydrogen peroxide build up.

Unknown. (n.d.). Catalysts for the Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide. //The Royal Society of Chemistry, Vol. 58//. Retrieved from []  The Royal Society of Chemistry provides an in-depth lab to follow when experimenting with the efficacy of decomposition of catalysts on hydrogen peroxide. A list of viable compounds and items are given, along with measurement and masses required for the lab. The report demonstrates how different catalysts will react with hydrogen peroxide at separate rates. See video of experiment below (last source).