What are H2O2 stabilizers and will they affect my application?
Most commercial grades of H2O2 contain chelants and sequestrants which minimize its decomposition under normal storage and handling conditions. In some applications (e.g., copper etching or cosmetic formulations) a high degree of stabilization is needed; whereas, in others (e.g., drinking water treatment or semiconductor manufacture) product purity is more important. For most environmental applications, H2O2 stabilization does not affect product performance. The types of stabilizers used in H2O2 vary between producers and product grades. Colloidal stannate and sodium pyrophosphate (present at 25 – 250 mg/L) are the traditional mainstays, although organophosphonates (e.g., Monsantos Dequest products) are increasingly common. Other additives may include nitrate (for pH adjustment and corrosion inhibition) and phosphoric acid (for pH adjustment). Certain end-uses — which depend on the bleaching ability of H2O2 in alkali utilize colloidal silicate to sequester metals and thereby minimize
