Chemistry help?

Question

What was the purpose of the manganse (IV) oxide added to the hydrogen peroxide in the generation of oxygen? Could any other substance have been used for this purpose?

Answer 1

MnO2 is used as a catalyst in the laboratory decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water.
2 H2O2(aq) → O2(g) + 2 H2O(l)
Some other substance may be used for this purpose, but may not be as effective as with MnO2.