This is basically an alternative to storing oxygen in gas tanks.

Hydrogen peroxide would be stored in a tank with a catalyst dipper (e.g. platinum) that can be immersed to control the rate of oxygen production.

Even relatively low concentrations of H2O2 create a surprising amount of oxygen, e.g. 6% concentration H2O2 produces 20 liters of oxygen for each litre of hydrogen peroxide decomposed (according to wikipedia).

Of course this would create far less oxygen compared with a regular gas tank of equal size, but there may be some situations where a gas tank is not desirable. For example it would be relatively easy to refill a tank with hydrogen peroxide compared to filling a tank with oxygen. Also, it might be safer in some situations.

Although I have classified this idea in sport:water:underwater I doubt this would be a suitable application; I just thought I may as well stick this idea with the scuba tank ideas.
-- xaviergisz, Jan 25 2011

Baked. Used in submarines for decades, widely known to exist. Sodium peroxide systems too.
-- 8th of 7, Jan 25 2011


not to mention the use on space stations and the applications in atmospheric recycling.
-- WcW, Jan 25 2011


And hair-blondering kits.
-- MaxwellBuchanan, Jan 25 2011



random, halfbakery