Which Reducing Agent Can Efficiently Bind and Release Oxygen?

  • Thread starter Thread starter kateman
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on identifying a reducing agent capable of binding and subsequently releasing oxygen in a controlled manner, potentially through methods such as electric current or heat. The scope includes theoretical exploration and practical applications of materials that can function as oxygen getters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a reducing agent that can bind oxygen and release it later without relying on a chemical reaction, inviting various suggestions.
  • Another participant proposes the concept of closed loop electrolysis of water as a potential method for oxygen removal and recombination.
  • A third participant shares their experience with chromium trioxide on silica as an effective oxygen getter, detailing a specific setup and process for binding and releasing oxygen.
  • The original poster expresses an interest in exploring various options without a specific preference, indicating a desire for a range of ideas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches and materials for binding and releasing oxygen, but there is no consensus on a single best solution or method. The discussion remains open-ended with various competing views and suggestions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' suggestions depend on specific conditions such as temperature and gas flow, which may not be universally applicable. Details regarding the effectiveness and limitations of the proposed methods are not fully resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in materials science, chemical engineering, or experimental chemistry may find the exploration of oxygen getters and reducing agents relevant to their work or studies.

kateman
Messages
113
Reaction score
0
Hello, I am looking for a reducing agent that will, at least partially, take oxygen out of a small system and will allow that oxygen to evolve if it was exposed to an electric current or given sufficient heat etc.
Basically I want something to bind oxygen and allow me to get rid of it at some later point and be able to repeat the process once again [ideally not by a chemical reaction, but I am open to all suggestions].

Any and all ideas are welcomed, thanks!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
You mean like a closed loop electrolysis of water? where the oxygen is removed from the water and then allowed to recombine with the water?
 
You are looking for an oxygen getter material. There are several that I am familiar with but the one that I have used most is chromium trioxide on refrigeration grade adsorption silica. Chromium trioxide is dissolved in water and slurried with the silica which is then dried, loaded into a thick-walled glass column equipped with inlet and outlet gas-tight fixtures. The loaded column is wrapped with resistive nichrome tape and then insulated with glass wool. The orange/brown silica is slowly heated to a few hundred degrees C while dry nitrogen is passed through the column. When the silica has given up its adsorbed water, the column is cooled somewhat and carbon monoxide is flowed through for about a half hour. Following this, the heating is discontinued while dry nitrogen is slowly passed through until the column is RT. The silica is now a blue color that turns purple as is absorbs moisture and finally brown as it scavenges oxygen from the carrier gas. I used this system for years in my air/water-free reactions.

Repeat the process when the column is depleted. I forget the details such as the particular temperatures I used.
 
Thank you PaulS1950 and chemisttree for your suggestions, particularly chemisttree for your detailed responce.

Iam not after anything in particular, rather Iam just trying to find out what possible options there are out there for me to play with.

Thanks again!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Replies
14
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
10K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
13K