Molecular Hydrogen Yields from the α-Self-Radiolysis of Nitric Acid Solutions Containing Plutonium or Americium.

The yield of molecular hydrogen, as a function of nitric acid concentration, from the α-radiolysis of aerated nitric acid and its mixtures with sulfuric acid containing plutonium or americium has been investigated. Comparison of experimental measurements with predictions of a Monte Carlo radiation track chemistry model shows that, in addition to scavenging of the hydrated electron, its precursor, and the hydrogen atom, the quenching of excited state water is important in controlling the yield of molecular hydrogen. In addition, increases in solution acidity cause a significant change in the track reactions, which can be explained as resulting from scavenging of e by H to form H.

Plutonium and Americium Alpha Radiolysis of Nitric Acid Solutions.

The yield of HNO, as a function of absorbed dose and HNO concentration, from the α-radiolysis of aerated HNO solutions containing plutonium or americium has been investigated. There are significant differences in the yields measured from solutions of the two different radionuclides. For 0.