Catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in alkaline solutions

Catalytic activity of carbon, platinum-supported on high-area carbon, plati num, lead ruthenate, and ruthenium oxide towards hydrogen peroxide decompos ition in alkaline solution is investigated using the rotating disk electrod e technique. The heterogeneous rate constant for peroxide decomposition on these catalysts is determined from the slope of log(i(L)) versus time, wher e i(L) is the diffusion-limiting current corresponding to the concentration of peroxide at a given time. The order of catalytic activity is found to b e platinum > lead ruthenate > ruthenium oxide > carbon. A general reaction mechanism for the peroxide decomposition on these catalysts is also propose d. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.