A particular kind of emergency breathing apparatus-often placed in mines, caves, or other places where oxygen might become depleted or where the air might become poisoned-works via the following chemical reaction:
4KO2(s)+2CO2(g)--> 2K2CO3(s)+3O2(g)
Notice that the reaction produces O2, which can be breathed, and absorbs CO2, a product of respiration. Suppose you work for a company interested in producing a self-rescue breathing apparatus (based on the above reaction) which would allow the user to survive for 15 minutes in an emergency situation.
I have to write a 500 word essay on: “what are the important chemical considerations in designing such a unit?”
What components should I put into the essay?