New insight on kinetics of catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide on ferrihydrite: Based on the preparation procedures of ferrihydrite

The heterogeneous catalytic reaction of H2O2 with iron oxides is an important reaction for the environment since both H2O2 and iron oxides are common constituents of natural and atmospheric waters. In this work, three ferrihydrites, labeled Fh-1, -2 and -3, were prepared by different procedures. Fh-1 was prepared by adding alkali solution to ferric solution under stirring. In the preparation of Fh-2, the mixing procedure of the two solutions was reversed. Fh-3 was obtained by adding alkali solution and ferric solution simultaneously into a certain amount of water. The heterogeneous catalytic reaction of H2O2 with three ferrihydrites in aqueous solution was investigated in detail. The results demonstrated that the apparent reaction rate was affected by the preparation procedure of ferrihydrite besides pH, temperature and the dose of catalyst. The activation energy of the decomposition reaction of H2O2 was determined to be 76.13, 59.41 and 68.05 kJ mol−1 for Fh-1, -2 and -3, respectively. The activation enthalpy of the reaction were determined to be 73.59, 56.56 and 65.76 kJ mol-1 and the activation entropy of the reaction were determined to be −69.65, −119.67 and −90.58 J mol−1 K−1, respectively.

Graphical AbstractThis research supplies a new insight on the decomposition kinetics of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by ferrihydrites prepared using three procedures.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Ferrihydrite (Fh) was prepared using three different procedures. ► Rate of catalytic decomposition H2O2 on the three Fhs is different. ► Activation energy, activation enthalpy and activation entropy of the reaction were calculated.