Hydrogen peroxide applications

Hydrogen Peroxide: From Early Discovery to Today’s Applications

Hydrogen peroxide has a captivating history that traces back to its initial isolation in 1818 by the French chemist Louis Jacques Thénard. Thénard accomplished this by having nitric acid and barium peroxide react, leading to the production of H2O2. He named it "eau oxygénée" in French, which translates to "oxygenated water," as he was astounded by the high oxygen content present in the final product.
5 December 2023
Benjamin Ward Richardson

In 1858, an English physician named Benjamin Ward Richardson published a paper in the esteemed medical journal THE LANCET. In his publications, Richardson explored the potential uses of hydrogen peroxide, highlighting its ability to eliminate foul odours and proposing its application as a disinfectant.

Richardson’s work marked the beginning of hydrogen peroxide’s journey as a versatile chemical compound. Over the years, hydrogen peroxide emerged as a powerful oxidising agent with a multitude of applications. By the mid-1800s, it had already become a commercial product, finding use in diverse applications such as being used as a non-polluting bleaching agent, and as a disinfectant in food processing. During the World Wars, the product was employed as a surface disinfectant, a water sanitiser and as a propellant for rockets and torpedoes.

Hydrogen peroxide
Huwa-San TR-50

Despite its effectiveness, traditional hydrogen peroxide suffers from a limited shelf life and necessitates stabilisation measures to prolong its usability. Consequently, researchers and innovators have developed new formulations, such as Huwa-San TR-50. Huwa-San TR-50 represents an improved version of the non-stabilised hydrogen peroxide and incorporates a unique blend of hydrogen peroxide and silver. This formulation grants an extended shelf life and enhanced efficacy compared to conventional hydrogen peroxide. As a result, Huwa-San has become an exceptional alternative in a wide range of applications, including disinfection in the food industry, water treatment, and agriculture.

Hydrogen peroxide has come a long way since its discovery, evolving into a versatile compound with a multitude of applications. From its humble beginnings as “oxygenated water” to advanced formulations, hydrogen peroxide continues to contribute to numerous industries, improving hygiene, safety, and sustainability along the way.