Potassium superoxide is used in rebreathers, submarines, spacecraft, and spacesuits as an oxygen generator. It absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. Potassium superoxide is used as a CO2 scrubber in rebreathers, submarines, spacecraft, and spacesuits. Potassium superoxide is used as a dehumidifier in rebreathers, submarines, spacecraft, and spacesuits. Potassium superoxide is used in self-contained breathing apparatus that is actuated by the lungs. It supplies oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide and water.
USES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance | Yellow solid |
Density | 2.14 g/cm3, solid |
Melting point | 560 °C (1,040 °F; 833 K) (decomposes) |
Solubility in water | Hydrolysis |
- Oxygen generator: Potassium superoxide is used in chemical oxygen generators to supply oxygen. It's used in submarines, spacecraft, and firefighters' oxygen tanks.
- Carbon dioxide scrubber: Potassium superoxide absorbs carbon dioxide.
- Water dehumidifier: Potassium superoxide dehumidifies water.
- Breathing apparatus: Potassium superoxide is used in self-contained breathing apparatus to supply oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and water.