OSCILLATORY KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THE CHROMATE CATALYZED DECOMPOSITION OF HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE

Oscillatory change of pH occurs during the chromate-catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in a weakly acidic medium at elevated temperature and at high initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide. In a closed system, there are only two or three periods, but sustained oscillation occurs in a CSTR. In a CSTR bistability is also found. In closed systems the temperature exhibits a great maximum (up to 15-degrees-C increase), in a CSTR sustained oscillation occurs at a constant stationary temperature.