Ultrasonic real-time monitoring of the process of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide, an environmentally friendly oxidizer, is an important component of various chemical processes. Optimal utilization of this oxidizer requires technologies for real-time monitoring of its concentration. The focus of this study was the application of high-resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy (HR-US) for accurate non-destructive measurement of the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions. This included measurements of the concentration dependence of ultrasonic characteristics of aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide in a broad range of concentrations (0 to 30% w/w) and temperatures (20 °C to 50 °C), which provided the calibration parameters. These parameters were used in ultrasonic ‘off-line’ and real-time ‘on-line’ measurements of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions catalyzed by metal surfaces. The overall resolution of ultrasonic monitoring of the concentration of hydrogen peroxide was found to be at a level of 0.001 w/w%.