Radiolysis of some aqueous solutions of neutron absorbers

The initial yield of molecular hydrogen formed by radiolytic decomposition of water in reactor and 60Co gamma radiation is decreased by the presence of salts of polyvalent elements possessing only one stable valence, i.e cadmium, zinc, magnesium, gadolinium. This effect is favourable for the use of cadmium and gadolinium as soluble neutron absorber in heavy water reactors. Cations of these salts are not inert toward the primary products of water radiolysis. They have a high degree of reactivity toward the hydrated electron, which is the precursor of molecular hydrogen in neutral or alkaline aqueous media. The value of the rate constant for the reaction between cadmium ion and hydrated electron was shown to be (6.1 ± 1.8) 1010 M-1 s-1. Boric acid at low concentration has no effect on the radiation chemistry of water. An isotope effect has been found in the radiolysis of heavy water, corresponding to a lowering of initial yield [G0(D2) < G0(H2)]. additionally it was necessary to determine the influence of organic impurities, remaining after the purification of water, on the mechanism of its radiolytic decomposition. (author)