Synthesis, characterization, and property investigation of peroxide-based bleaching catalysts and activators

Many studies have been conducted on oxidation catalysts and activators in the chemical industry. In particular, due to increasing environmental concerns over the past decade, the development of catalysts and activators capable of efficiently activating peroxide has become a significant area of research. The role of a bleaching catalyst and activator in activating hydrogen peroxide—the standard latent oxidant included in modern detergent formulations—has been investigated. In terms of the laundry washing process, transition metal-centered catalysts are expected to enhance activity at low temperatures for stain bleaching or dye transfer inhibition, while also minimizing textile dye and fiber damage. In this study, cobalt and manganese catalysts containing organic activators as well as organic and inorganic ligands were synthesized. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized using elemental analysis, FT-IR, Q-TOF LC/MS, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, ICP-OES, UV-Vis spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, and the Kjeldahl method. The bleaching performance of the structurally elucidated compounds was evaluated in laundry and dishwasher detergent formulations. In addition, fiber damage and dye transfer on fabrics after washing in laundry detergent applications were investigated. Fiber damage in the fabrics was examined using SEM imaging. As a result of the studies, it was determined that the catalysts exhibited a more effective bleaching performance than the activators. However, it was also observed that when the catalysts were used in combination with the activators, a synergistic effect occurred, leading to enhanced bleaching performance. The findings aim to properly assess this technology and highlight the most promising directions for future research.