THE THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF CESIUM SUPEROXIDE

Author

George V. Morris, University of Rhode Island

Date of Award

1962

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Douglas L. Kraus

Abstract

The thermal decomposition of cesium superoxide was studied in the temperature range 280 to 360°C. The reaction path was established by measuring the dissociation pressure of the oxide over the composition range Cs₂O_3.71 - Cs₂O_1.75. It was found that the superoxide decomposes directly to the peroxide without intermediate formation of the sesquioxide. Further, it was found that solid solution formation between the superoxide and lower oxides does not result over the range of compositions studied.

The thermal decomposition of cesium peroxide was studied in the temperature range 300 to 34°C. and equilibrium pressures obtained for two compositions Cs₂O_1.95, Cs₂O1.75.

The overall mechanism for the decompositions can be illustrated by the following equations:

CsO₂(s) = ½Cs₂O₂(s) + ½O₂(g)

Cs₂O₂(s) = Cs₂O₂(s)+ ½O₂(g)

The thermodynamic properties ΔF^O, ΔH^O, ΔC^O_P, ΔS^O, Kp were calculated for both reactions.

Recommended Citation

Morris, George V., "THE THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF CESIUM SUPEROXIDE" (1962). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 1697.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/1697