What are the uses of Sodium Persulfate?

Sodium Persulfate (Na₂S₂O₈) is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It is an oxidizing agent commonly used in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. This versatile compound is preferred over other oxidizing agents because of its stability, non-toxicity, and non-flammability.

Uses of Sodium Persulfate

1. Wastewater Treatment

Sodium Persulfate is widely used in the treatment of wastewater and effluents from different industries. It is an effective oxidizing agent that can remove organic compounds, heavy metals, and other pollutants from wastewater. Sodium Persulfate is often used in combination with other oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, to enhance its effectiveness.

2. Electronics

Sodium Persulfate is used in the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs). It is used as an etchant to remove the unwanted copper from the surface of the PCB, leaving behind the desired copper tracks. Sodium Persulfate is preferred over other etchants because of its stability and non-toxicity.

3. Pharmaceuticals

Sodium Persulfate is used in the manufacturing of various pharmaceutical products. It is used as a bleaching agent to remove impurities from raw materials, such as cellulose and starch. Sodium Persulfate is also used as a polymerization initiator in the production of polymers, such as polyacrylamide and polyvinyl alcohol.

4. Textiles

Sodium Persulfate is used in the textile industry for bleaching and desizing of fabrics. It is also used as a polymerization initiator in the production of polyacrylonitrile fibers, which are used in the production of synthetic textiles.

5. Food Industry

Sodium Persulfate is used in the food industry as a sanitizer and disinfectant. It is used to sterilize equipment and surfaces in food processing plants. Sodium persulfate is also used as a bleaching agent in the production of food-grade starch.

6. Other Applications

Sodium Persulfate is used in a wide range of other applications, including hair bleaching, teeth whitening, and as an oxygen source in aquaculture.