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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: ernest1039401 on June 25, 2018, 03:54:11 PM

Title: Catalysts
Post by: ernest1039401 on June 25, 2018, 03:54:11 PM

Hi, for my coursework, I'm investigating the difference in activation energy of the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide with manganese dioxide catalyst and potassium iodide catalyst. I was wondering, is there any scientific theory behind why manganese dioxide is a more effective catalyst?

Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: Catalysts
Post by: Babcock_Hall on June 25, 2018, 06:08:49 PM

What are your initial thoughts?

Title: Re: Catalysts
Post by: ernest1039401 on June 25, 2018, 06:14:11 PM

I think it might have to do with the variance in oxidation states - the more variance, the more effective catalyst. But my research has led me nowhere, and I don't have a definitive answer.

Title: Re: Catalysts
Post by: Babcock_Hall on June 26, 2018, 03:46:39 PM

My suspicion is that you are correct, but without a mechanism for decomposition, it is difficult to be certain.  It might also have something to do with the ability of the lone pairs of electrons on oxygen to coordinate with the manganese ion in some way.