Potassium superoxide is an inorganic compound with the formula KO2. It is a yellow paramagnetic solid that decomposes in moist air. It is formed as potassium reacts with oxygen in the air, along with potassium oxide and potassium superoxide.
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.
Technical Specifications
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
Precautions & Remarks
BENEFITS
Oxygen generator: Potassium superoxide is used in chemical oxygen generators to supply oxygen. It's used in submarines, spacecraft, and firefighters' oxygen tanks.
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.
Note
USES
Oxygen generator
Potassium superoxide is used in rebreathers, submarines, spacecraft, and spacesuits as an oxygen generator. It absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.
CO2 scrubber
Potassium superoxide is used as a CO2 scrubber in rebreathers, submarines, spacecraft, and spacesuits.
Dehumidifier
Potassium superoxide is used as a dehumidifier in rebreathers, submarines, spacecraft, and spacesuits.
Breathing apparatus
Potassium superoxide is used in self-contained breathing apparatus that is actuated by the lungs. It supplies oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide and water.