
Potassium Superoxide
Potassium superoxide is an inorganic compound with the formula KO2. It is a yellow paramagnetic solid that decomposes in moist air.
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.
USES
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 |
- Oxygen generator: Potassium superoxide is used in chemical oxygen generators to supply oxygen. It's used in submarines, spacecraft, and firefighters' oxygen tanks.
- Carbon dioxide scrubber: Potassium superoxide absorbs carbon dioxide.
- 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.