Carbon dioxide from radiolysis

Krylova and Dolin [319,320] investigated the radiolysis of water adsorbed on silica gel induced by y-radiation ( Co). The radiolysis products, H2 and CO2, formed as a result of the energy transfer from the solid adsorbent silica gel to the molecules of the adsorbed water. The oxidation component of radiolysis is spent on the oxidation of trace amounts of organic compounds present on the sample surface carbon dioxide results. Radiolysis was investigated in relation to the conditions of the prehminary treatment of Si02, the amount of adsorbed water, and the intensity of the radiation. The formation of hydrogen from the surface OH groups of sihca gel was also possible. A likely mechanism of radiolysis was described. 

Liquid carbon dioxide is decomposed efficiently by ionizing radiation79. The decreased radiation stability of the liquid phase compared to the gas phase has been attributed to the much smaller contribution of ion-molecule reactions to radiolysis in the condensed phase, where an efficient geminate charge neutralization process is likely to minimize the occurrence of such processes. Ion-molecule reactions are probably responsible for the rapid reoxidation observed in the gas phase. The yields of CO, 02 and 03 from the y-radiolysis of liquid C02 can be... 

Carbon dioxide is the major product of the radiolysis, and results from the loss of the carboxyl group. Carbon monoxide is found in somewhat smaller yield than carbon dioxide. Vater is also produced, but its yield is often difficult to quantify because of the strong hydrogen bonding which exists between water and carboxylic acid groups. Hydrogen is not normally found in high yield. 

Fig. 64 Gas amounts evolved during radiolysis of polyether-polyurethane (EB irradiation electron energy 20 MeV). The data were taken from [07W1]. (A) carbon dioxide ( ) hydrogen (O) methane.

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