Catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide on fine particle ferrites and cobaltites

Abstract

The kinetics of heterogeneous decomposition of hydrogen peroxide on fine particle ferrites, MFe2O4 and cobaltites, MCo2O4, where M=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn and Mg, have been investigated. The decomposition of H2O2 was found to be first order at low concentration (0·3%) and zero order at high concentration (30%) of H2O2. The catalytic activity of cobaltites on the decomposition of H2O2 is found to be better than ferrites. The observed catalytic behaviour of ferrites and cobaltites has been attributed to their fine particle nature, large surface area and electronic structure. © 1987 Indian Academy of Sciences.