Effect of radiation on oxide catalysts

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of various types of radiation on catalysts used in the decomposition of alcohols and hydrocarbons. Catalysts used were Al2O3, Al2O3.V2O5, Al2O3.MoO3, Al2O3 WO3, and rare earths, Y2O3, Nd2O3, Pr4O7, Er2O3, Yb2O3, Tb4O7. The experiments were performed in a flow system and in an adsorbed layer. Irradiation by gamma rays, fast electrons, x-rays, nuclear reactors were all examined. Preliminary irradiations of the catalysts had little effect. Overall results show that changes in activity can be expected preferentially by irradiating the whole catalyst system or by introducing a radioactive isotope into the catalyst