For a path connected space X, the homology algebra $H_*(QX; \mathbb{Z}/2)$ is a polynomial algebra over certain generators QIx. We reinterpret a technical observation, of Curtis and Wellington, on the action of the Steenrod algebra A on the Λ algebra in our terms. We then introduce a partial order on each grading of H*QX which allows us to separate terms in a useful way when computing the action of dual Steenrod operations $Sq^i_*$ on $H_*(QX; \mathbb{Z}/2)$. We use these to completely characterise the A-annihilated generators of this polynomial algebra. We then propose a construction for sequences I so that QIx is A-annihilated. As an application, we offer some results on the form of potential spherical classes in H*QX upon some stability condition under homology suspension. Our computations provide new numerical conditions in the context of hit problem.

We modify the construction of the mod 2 Dyer-Lashof (co)-algebra to obtain a (co)-algebra W which is (also) unstable over the Steenrod algebra A*. W has canonical sub-coalgebras W[k] such that the hom-dual W[k:]* is isomorphic as an A-algebra to the ring of upper triangular invariants in ℤ/2ℤ [x1, . . . , xk].