[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, comparison of sodium persulfate and ammonium persulfate

Sodium persulfate, ammonium, potassium properties

Sodium persulfate
Sodium persulfate (Na₂ S₂ O₂) is a strong oxidizer, common as a white crystal or powder, soluble in water. It will decompose in aqueous solution to generate hydrogen peroxide and sulfate, with strong oxidation ability. Sodium persulfate decomposes rapidly at high temperatures or under the action of a catalyst, releasing oxygen and sulfate ions.

ammonium persulfate
Ammonium persulfate ((NHSO4) S₂ O₂) is also a white crystalline powder with strong oxidizing properties. It has high solubility in water and can exist stably in aqueous solution, but it will decompose into ammonium sulfate and oxygen at high temperature. Because of its strong oxidation, ammonium persulfate is often used in chemical production and laboratory research.

potassium persulfate
Potassium persulfate (K₂ S₂ O₂) is also a white crystal with strong oxidizing properties. Its solubility in water is slightly lower than that of sodium persulfate and ammonium persulfate, but it is still relatively high. Potassium persulfate is easy to decompose under high temperature or ultraviolet irradiation to generate oxygen and potassium sulfate, which is suitable for various oxidation reactions.

Persulfate Uses

chemical industry Persulfate is mainly used in the chemical industry, as a polymerization initiator, especially in emulsion polymerization and suspension polymerization, persulfate can effectively initiate the polymerization of monomers to produce polymers. Persulfates are also used in organic synthesis as oxidants in various oxidation reactions.

textile industry
In the textile industry, persulfates are used as bleach and dye removers. They can effectively decompose dyes and organic matter, restore the white fiber, and improve the quality of textiles.

Environmental protection
Persulfate has a wide range of applications in the field of environmental protection, mainly for water treatment and soil remediation. They can degrade organic pollutants in water, such as phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and are used in soil remediation to oxidize harmful compounds and convert them into harmless substances.

Laboratory Research
In the laboratory, persulfate as a standard oxidant is widely used in analytical chemistry and various experimental studies. They act as oxidants in quantitative analysis and help researchers explore various chemical reactions.

persulfate upstream and downstream raw materials

Upstream Feedstock
Upstream feedstocks for persulfate production mainly include sulfuric acid, sodium sulfate (or ammonium sulfate, potassium sulfate), oxygen or air. The specific process is usually to first sulfuric acid and the corresponding alkali metal salt reaction to produce sulfate, and then in the electrolysis process to introduce oxygen, so that it is converted to persulfate. The electrolysis process consumes a large amount of electricity, so energy is also an important upstream resource.

Downstream Products
Persulfate has a wide range of downstream products, covering polymers, bleaches, oxidants and other products. Specifically, various plastic products, synthetic rubbers, textiles, water purifying agents, and the like are included. These downstream products have important applications in industry, agriculture, and daily life, driving the growth in demand for persulfates.

Persulfate Storage Methods

Avoid light preservation
Persulfate is sensitive to light and decomposes easily when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light for a long time. Therefore, storage should use opaque containers, and store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place to avoid direct light.

Moisture-proof treatment
Persulfate is hygroscopic and decomposes when exposed to moisture. Therefore, the storage environment should be kept dry and avoid contact with moisture in the air. A desiccant can be added to the storage container to further prevent moisture.

Sealed storage
In order to prevent the persulfate from reacting with moisture and impurities in the air, it should be stored in a sealed container. Commonly used sealing materials include glass bottles, plastic barrels, etc., to ensure that the container has good sealing performance and avoid air entry.

Temperature control
Persulfate is easy to decompose at high temperature, so the storage temperature should be controlled below 30 degrees Celsius, and try to avoid high temperature environment. For large-scale storage, the temperature control of the warehouse should also be considered to ensure the stability of the persulfate.

Safety Precautions

Fire prevention measures
Although persulfates themselves are not flammable, they are strong oxidants and can support combustion of other substances. Therefore, keep away from flammable materials during storage and use, and be equipped with appropriate fire extinguishing equipment, such as dry powder fire extinguishers.

Protective Equipment
When handling persulfate, you should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, protective glasses and protective clothing, to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. Persulfate is irritating to the skin and eyes, and should be rinsed with plenty of water immediately after contact.

emergency treatment
During storage and use, if persulfate leakage occurs, it should be quickly covered with dry sand or inert adsorbent and cleaned to avoid contact with water. Dust should be avoided during the treatment process and the waste should be properly disposed.

Summary

Sodium persulfate, ammonium and potassium are important chemical raw materials with strong oxidation, which are widely used in chemical industry, textile industry, environmental protection and laboratory research. Their production relies on upstream raw materials such as sulfuric acid, sulfate and electricity, while their downstream products cover multiple fields such as polymers, bleaches, and oxidants. During storage, special attention should be paid to avoiding light, moisture, sealing and temperature control, and necessary safety measures should be taken to ensure the safety of operators and the stability of chemicals. Through scientific and reasonable management and application, persulfate will continue to play an important role in many fields and promote the development of related industries.