The oxidation of carbon by air. I. Catalysis in the oxidation of carbon black by air

The oxidation of carbon black by air in a closed system was studied at 367°, in the presence of ten different potassium salts, and of the chlorides of six different metals. The reaction follows overall second‐order kinetics. The apparent activation energy of the air oxidation of carbon black is 24·7 kcal. / mole; this figure is reduced to 22·3 and 15·6 kcal. by the presence of potassium chloride and potassium carbonate respectively. An explanation is presented for the catalytic action of halogenides; the formation of an oxygenated intermediate from the halogenide anion is assumed, which can thus act as an oxygen carrier.