Solid-state reactions between alkali persulfates and oxides of corundum structure

The effects of three corundum structure oxides, α-Al₂O₃, α-Cr₂O₃, and α-Fe₂O₃, on the thermal decomposition of sodium and potassium peroxodisulfates (persulfates) under non-isothermal static air conditions and using various oxide/persulfate molar ratios, have been thermoanalytically investigated. Compounds such as Na₃Al(SO₄)₃, K₃Al(SO₄)₃, Cr₂(SO₄)₃, K₃Cr(SO₄₃, and Na₃Fe(SO₄)₃ are identified by X-ray diffractometry and conventional chemical analysis. The molar ratios as well as temperatures of the stoichiometric formation for these compounds have been established. At higher temperatures, α-Al₂O₃ acts as a promoter catalyst for the decomposition of pyrosulfate to sulfate, whereas α-Cr₂O₃ behaves as a retarder for the decomposition of persulfate. A eutectic mixture is formed between K₃Al(SO₄) and K₂SO₄ at 675°C. Also, K₃Fe(SO₄)₃ is identified as two crystalline phases.