Decomposition of concentrated hydrogen peroxide on silver I. Low temperature reaction and kinetics

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The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (HP) at silver surfaces has been quantitatively investigated. Two distinct decomposition regions exist with an abrupt transition from one region to the other. At low temperatures the rate of HP decomposition, d( H 2O 2 ) dt , is proportional to (Area)(H 2O 2). The rate of silver mass loss, d( M) dt , is proportional to (Area) (H 2O 2) 2. The rate of silver loss is inhibited by the presence of silver and hydroxide ions in the HP solution. The data at low temperatures indicate that chemical reaction at the silver surface controls the rate of HP decomposition. A chain mechanism consistent with the experimental evidence has been postulated.