[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties and uses of hydrogen peroxide, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, properties and uses of hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide properties

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂) is a colorless liquid with strong oxidizing and bleaching properties. Its molecular structure consists of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms, where the oxygen atoms are connected by a peroxide bond. The instability of this molecule makes it easy to break down into water and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide is stable at room temperature, but decomposes rapidly at high temperatures, light, or in the presence of a catalyst (e. g., metal ions). This decomposition process is exothermic and releases large amounts of oxygen. Due to its strong oxidizing properties, hydrogen peroxide is strongly corrosive and bleachable, and therefore requires careful handling.

Hydrogen peroxide uses

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used, covering many fields such as industry, medicine, environmental protection and so on. In industry, hydrogen peroxide is often used for bleaching of pulp and textiles because it effectively removes color without damaging the fibers. In the medical field, hydrogen peroxide is widely used as a disinfectant and antiseptic for cleaning wounds and disinfecting medical instruments. Its decomposition products are only water and oxygen, so there is no residual toxicity. In terms of environmental protection, hydrogen peroxide is used to treat wastewater and soil pollution because it can effectively degrade organic pollutants. Hydrogen peroxide is also used in the production of chemicals such as epoxides and peroxides.

Hydrogen peroxide upstream and downstream raw materials

The main raw materials for the production of hydrogen peroxide are water and oxygen, and the industrial production mainly uses the anthraquinone method. The anthraquinone method utilizes the hydrogenation of anthraquinone in the presence of a catalyst to form hydroanthraquinone, which is then oxidized to form hydrogen peroxide and regenerated anthraquinone. The core of this method is to recycle the anthraquinone, making the reaction efficient and economical. The production process also requires the use of solvents and catalysts. The supply and price of upstream raw materials directly affect the production cost and market price of hydrogen peroxide. Downstream, hydrogen peroxide as an intermediate or final product, supplied to bleaching, disinfection and environmental treatment and other industries, the demand is large and stable.

Hydrogen peroxide storage method

Since hydrogen peroxide is highly oxidizing and unstable, its storage requires special attention to safety and stability. Hydrogen peroxide should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and high temperature environment. Storage containers shall be of corrosion resistant material such as aluminium, stainless steel or plastic and shall be well sealed to prevent leakage and contamination. Since hydrogen peroxide is easily decomposed, a suitable buffer space should be left in the container to prevent the gas from expanding and causing the container to rupture. The storage area should be equipped with emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and protective equipment to deal with possible leakage or fire accidents.

Hydrogen Peroxide Safety Management

Hydrogen peroxide has certain safety risks during use and storage, so strict safety management measures are required. Operators should receive professional training to master the nature and safe use of hydrogen peroxide. The workplace should be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as protective gloves, protective glasses and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact. Contingency plans should also be established to ensure that leaks, fires or other accidents can be dealt with quickly and effectively. The transport of hydrogen peroxide is also subject to dangerous goods transport regulations to ensure the safety of the transport process.

Hydrogen Peroxide Market Prospects

With the enhancement of environmental awareness and the development of industrial technology, the market demand for hydrogen peroxide is growing. Especially in the field of wastewater treatment and pollution remediation, hydrogen peroxide is more and more used because of its high efficiency and no residue. With the increasing demand for disinfection products in the pharmaceutical and health industries, hydrogen peroxide, as an important disinfectant, has a broad market prospect. In the future, with the continuous improvement of the production process and the development of new application fields, hydrogen peroxide is expected to play a role in a wider range of fields, and the market demand will continue to grow.

Conclusion

As an important chemical product, hydrogen peroxide has a wide range of applications and good market prospects. Its strong oxidizing and environmentally friendly properties make it indispensable in many fields. Due to its instability and safety risks, it needs to be strictly managed during production, storage and use. With the advancement of technology and the development of new applications, the market for hydrogen peroxide will continue to expand, bringing more opportunities and challenges to related industries.