The Science and Safety of Mixing Hydrogen Peroxide with Activated Charcoal or Bentonite Clay
Mixing hydrogen peroxide with activated charcoal or bentonite clay can lead to interesting and sometimes unexpected results in terms of effectiveness and safety. This article explores the chemical and practical considerations of these mixtures, their potential risks, and the practical applications of such mixtures.
Chemical Properties of the Ingredients
Hydrogen Peroxide: As a strong oxidizing agent, hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen when exposed to light or heat. It is commonly used for its antiseptic properties and as a bleaching agent. When mixed with activated charcoal or bentonite clay, it can undergo adsorption processes, which might reduce its effectiveness.
Activated Charcoal: This porous material can adsorb toxins and impurities. When mixed with hydrogen peroxide, the activated charcoal may adsorb some of the hydrogen peroxide, reducing its effectiveness but no significant chemical reaction occurs between them.
Bentonite Clay: This clay type can also adsorb various substances. When mixed with hydrogen peroxide, bentonite clay may similarly adsorb some of the peroxide. This interaction might lead to the clay being more effective in binding certain impurities, but again, no significant chemical reaction occurs.
Practical Considerations
Adsorption: Both activated charcoal and bentonite clay can reduce the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a mixture, which might lessen its intended effectiveness as a disinfectant or bleaching agent.
Safety: The mixture must be handled safely, as hydrogen peroxide can be irritating to skin and eyes, especially at higher concentrations. It is important to avoid mixing high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide due to the potential for dangerous reactions.
Personal Observations and Experiences
One individual’s wife has experimented with toothpaste made from a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, activated charcoal, and bentonite clay, along with other ingredients. She observed a reaction involving bubbling and smoking after stirring the mixture. However, the toothpaste worked effectively despite these initial reactions.
Previous experiments with lower concentrations (3%) of hydrogen peroxide and activated charcoal from an aquarium filter have also shown similar results. While a slow reaction might occur at room temperature, the immense surface area of the carbon can lead to foaming and some heat generation. This could be due to the peroxide breakdown caused by impurities or, potentially, a secondary reaction with the carbon.
Bentonite clay can absorb and gel the liquid, even with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide, as it is responsible for making clumping cat litter clump. However, mixing 30% hydrogen peroxide with these materials would be extremely dangerous. The high concentration can lead to explosive decomposition, releasing steam and oxygen, which could cause a secondary fire.
Conclusion
Mixing hydrogen peroxide with activated charcoal or bentonite clay does not produce any dangerous reactions. However, it may reduce the effectiveness of the hydrogen peroxide due to adsorption processes. Before using such mixtures, it is important to evaluate the desired outcome and choose the appropriate method accordingly.
As with any mixture involving strong chemicals, safety should always be a top priority. Proper handling and storage are crucial to prevent accidents and potential injuries.