Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)
Why it Matters?
Scientists at SN Bose Centre have developed a sunlight-and-water-based green method to produce hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) using a metal-embedded covalent organic framework (Mo-DHTA COF), marking a major leap in sustainable chemical synthesis.
What You Should Know?
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a colourless liquid with a bitter taste.
It is naturally present in small gaseous amounts in the air.
H₂O₂ is unstable and decomposes into water and oxygen, releasing heat.
It is non-flammable but acts as a strong oxidizing agent.
It can cause spontaneous combustion when in contact with organic materials.
It is considered eco-friendly as it breaks down into water and oxygen.
Uses:
It is used as an antiseptic in households.
It is used as a bleach for clothes and hair in domestic settings.
It is used for bleaching textiles and paper in industries.
It is a component in the manufacture of rocket fuel.
It is used to produce foam rubber, sponge rubber, and plastic foam.
It is involved in making organic chemicals like acetone and benzoyl peroxide.
It is used in disinfectants, antiseptics, and pharmaceuticals.
It helps bleach bone, feathers, ivory, fruit, flour, fur, gelatin, and glue.
It is also used to bleach hair, silk, straw, wax, soap, and wood pulp.
It acts as an oxygen source in respiratory protective equipment.
New Discovery:
Conventional hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production is energy-intensive and polluting.
A new eco-friendly method developed by S. N. Bose Centre uses Mo-DHTA COF (a dimolybdenum-based covalent organic framework) to synthesize H₂O₂ directly from sunlight and water through photocatalysis.