Peroxide bleaching using zeolites. Part 1: peroxide decomposition

Addition of certain levels of zeolite and sodium citrate to hydrogen peroxide solutions containing manganese decreased the rate of peroxide decomposition. There were differences in the ability of commercially available zeolites to reduce decomposition of peroxide. Addition of small amounts of sodium citrate to a particular zeolite system improved its ability to chelate metal ions. Sodium citrate appears to act as a transfer agent, facilitating the migration of metal ions to the zeolite. However addition of excess zeolite and citrate increase manganese induced peroxide decomposition. If the manganese-oxygen complex that decomposes peroxide under alkaline conditions was allowed to form prior to the addition of either the zeolite or citrate then the two chelating agents were unable to interact with the complex and prevent decomposition.