Stochastic simulation of gamma radiolysis of acidic ferrous sulfate solution at elevated temperatures.

The effect of temperature on the oxidation of Fe2+ in the gamma radiolysis of acidic ferrous sulfate solutions has been modelled using the stochastic IRT method, incorporating simulated electron track structures. There is an 11% increase in the Fe3+ yield in aerated 0.4 M H2SO4 solution on going from 298 to 573 K (25 to 300 degrees C). The H2 yield in aerated solution increases about 24% from 0.41 at 298 K to 0.51 at 573 K. In the absence of oxygen, the increase in the yields of both Fe3+ and H2 is about 12%. Calculated yields are consistent with available experimental data at room, and elevated temperatures. Simulations for heavy water (D2O) show similar temperature effects to those found for ferrous sulfate solutions in light water (H2O).