Hydrogen peroxide: properties and applications
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is the simplest peroxide compound and one of the most important products of the modern chemical industry. In its pure form, it is a colourless, slightly viscous liquid, slightly denser than water. Hydrogen peroxide is miscible with water in all proportions and readily soluble in alcohols, ether and other polar solvents. Its molecular mass is 34.01. Pure hydrogen peroxide is unstable and decomposes into water and oxygen with the release of heat, so in industry it is supplied as aqueous solutions with added stabilisers. The main commercial concentrations are 27.5%, 35%, 50%, 70% and 90%.
Physicochemical Properties
The melting point of hydrogen peroxide is minus 0.43 °C, and its boiling point is 150.2 °C. The density of 100% H₂O₂ is 1.45 g/cm³. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidising agent and belongs to the class of environmentally friendly reagents: upon decomposition, it forms only water and oxygen, leaving no toxic residues. This property makes it an attractive alternative to chlorine-containing oxidisers, as it reduces the burden on wastewater and complies with tightening discharge requirements. Solutions with a concentration above 8% are corrosive to the skin.
Production Technologies
The main industrial method for producing hydrogen peroxide is the anthraquinone (AO) process, also known as the auto-oxidation method. It accounts for about 95% of global production. The process includes several cyclic stages. In the first stage, alkylanthraquinone dissolved in an organic solvent is hydrogenated with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to form alkylanthrahydroquinone. In the second stage, the resulting solution is oxidised with air or oxygen, which regenerates the anthraquinone and produces hydrogen peroxide. In the third stage, H₂O₂ is extracted with water from the working solution, and the organic phase is returned to the cycle. Extraction is typically carried out to concentrations not exceeding 40% by mass for safety reasons.
In Russia, hydrogen peroxide is produced by the anthraquinone method at the facilities of Volzhskaya Peroxide (Novocheboksarsk), Prokhim, Anozit and Sintez-Aceton 2000. Requirements for technical and medical hydrogen peroxide are regulated by GOST 177-88.
Applications
Hydrogen peroxide finds wide application in various industries.
Pulp and paper industry. The largest consumption segment — about 48% in the European region. Hydrogen peroxide is used for bleaching pulp in processes without elemental chlorine, which reduces the environmental burden and complies with sustainable development requirements.
Textile industry. Hydrogen peroxide is used for bleaching natural and synthetic fibres, providing better whiteness compared to other agents.
Chemical synthesis. Hydrogen peroxide is used in the production of sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate and percarboxylic acids, in epoxidation processes, in propylene oxide production (HPPO), as well as in caprolactam oxidation, hydrometallurgy and battery-metal processing.
Disinfection and medicine. Hydrogen peroxide is used as an antiseptic for wound treatment, for disinfecting medical and pharmaceutical equipment, and for sterilising aseptic packaging. At concentrations of 3–6%, it is used for consumer purposes. Vaporised hydrogen peroxide sterilisation is used for decontaminating respirators and sensitive equipment.
Water and wastewater treatment. Hydrogen peroxide is used for treating industrial and municipal wastewater, in advanced oxidation processes, for disinfection and removal of organic pollutants.
Food industry. Food-grade hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching and antimicrobial agent, for sterilising aseptic packaging, and for treating equipment surfaces in contact with products. It is approved for use in cheese manufacturing, tea production and as a processing aid.
Electronics. High-purity electronic-grade hydrogen peroxide is used for cleaning, etching and surface preparation of semiconductor wafers, where minimal impurity levels are required. Growth in semiconductor and solar panel production increases demand for high-purity grades.
Other applications. Hydrogen peroxide is used in the cosmetics industry for hair bleaching, in household chemicals, for swimming pool disinfection, in mining, and as a component of rocket propellant.
Global Market
Estimates of the global hydrogen peroxide market volume vary depending on the methodology. According to Straits Research, the market was valued at USD 3.69 billion in 2025, projected to reach USD 3.90 billion in 2026 and USD 6.08 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 5.7%. According to The Business Research Company, the market will grow from USD 3.61 billion in 2025 to USD 3.9 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 8.1%, reaching USD 5.28 billion by 2030. According to Fortune Business Insights, the market was valued at USD 1.97 billion in 2025, USD 2.04 billion in 2026, and is projected to reach USD 2.76 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 3.80%.
In physical terms, according to Mordor Intelligence, the market volume was 6.11 million tonnes in 2025, 6.35 million tonnes in 2026, and is projected to reach 7.71 million tonnes by 2031 at a CAGR of 3.96%. Global hydrogen peroxide production in 2025 reached approximately 6.69 million tonnes.
The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global market: in 2025, its share was 42.8%. China is the largest producer and consumer, controlling over 70% of global capacity. Europe is the fastest-growing region with a CAGR of 6.37%. Key market players include Dow Inc., Evonik Industries AG, Solvay SA, Arkema SA, AkzoNobel N.V., Nouryon N.V., Kemira Oyj, OCI Company Ltd., Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc., FMC Corporation. The leading segment by function is bleaching (44.6% of the market in 2025). The industrial grade accounts for 67.9% of the market. The fastest-growing segment is electrical and electronics with a CAGR of 6.71%.
Production in Russia
Hydrogen peroxide production in Russia demonstrates steady growth. In 2025, output reached 131,500 tonnes, up 6.7% from 2024 (123,200 tonnes) and 20.8% above the 2022 level (108,800 tonnes). The compound annual growth rate for 2022–2025 was 6.5%. The bulk of production is concentrated in the Volga Federal District — 126,200 tonnes, or 96% of the all-Russian output. The largest producers are Volzhskaya Peroxide (Novocheboksarsk), Prokhim, Anozit and Sintez-Aceton 2000. The Volzhskaya Peroxide enterprise has been operating at full annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes since 2024 and covers 95% of demand in Russia thanks to high purity and concentrations up to 60%.
Safety and Storage
Hydrogen peroxide belongs to substances with moderate toxicity. Concentrated solutions cause burns to the skin and mucous membranes; vapours irritate the respiratory tract and eyes. When working with hydrogen peroxide, personal protective equipment must be used: rubber gloves, protective goggles or face shields, and protective clothing. Premises must be equipped with effective ventilation. Storage is carried out in hermetically sealed containers made of compatible materials (stainless steel, polyethylene, glass), in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area, away from organic materials, reducing agents and heat sources. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes under the action of light and heat, so storage periods are limited. Special precautions must be observed when handling concentrated solutions, as contact with combustible materials can cause ignition.
Conclusion
Hydrogen peroxide remains one of the key products of the global chemical industry, providing pulp and textile bleaching, disinfection, water treatment and chemical synthesis. The eco-friendly nature of hydrogen peroxide, which decomposes into water and oxygen, makes it increasingly in demand amid tightening environmental requirements. Growing demand for high-purity grades for electronics, the development of the pulp and paper industry and the expansion of water treatment applications create sustained demand for this essential chemical. China, the USA and European countries remain the leading players in the global hydrogen peroxide market, and the expansion of production in Russia and the introduction of low-carbon technologies determine the industry's further prospects.