Piranha solution is one of the most commonly used laboratory glass cleaner. Its strong oxidizing agent and removes most organic matter. However, it should be remembered that due to its strong corrosive properties it is not suitable for cleaning metals or delicate crystalls like ZnSe for ATR Infrared measurements.
To produce this pirhana solution, you only need sulphuric (H2SO4) acid and ydrogen peroxide (30-35% H2O2 solution). Most often, the substances are mixed in volume proportions 3:1 (sulphuric acid: hydrogen peroxide).
Due to large amount of heat is released in this process, special precautions must be taken. First of all, to we need cooling bath. Second, it is important important to add perhydrol to sulfuric acid slowly, stirring constantly and controlling the temperature. After the reaction, allow the solution to cool down. Store in an airtight jar. Keep tightly closed under a fume cupboard or other well-ventilated place. Use only with protective gloves and face protection. Overpressure may form in the jar due to the decomposition of the substance to a gaseous state. This is a seriously dangerous substance
