Oxygen (O2) is made in the lab from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using manganese(IV) oxide (MnO2) as a catalyst.

 

 

Different catalysts could be used to investigate which is the most effective in decomposing hydrogen peroxide. Examples of other substances which could be tested are:

  • Manganese dioxide
  • Liver
  • Potato
  • Potassium iodide
  • Copper oxide
  • Sodium chloride

Only some of these are effective catalysts when used with hydrogen peroxide. If a substance is not a catalyst, there will be no bubbles of oxygen produced. For other substances, such as liver which is a very effective catalyst in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, bubbles of oxygen will be produced quickly.