Specific features of the radiolysis of water and aqueous solutions of H2 and O2 by mixed n,γ-radiation with a high portion of the neutron component

A previously unknown feature of the kinetics of the radiolysis of water and hydrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen peroxide solutions has been discussed. By calculation, it has been revealed that concentration oscillations of the radiolysis products can appear during irradiation of the solution with fast neutrons or mixed n,gamma-radiation with a high portion of the neutron component. The period and amplitude of the oscillations depend on the temperature, the dose rate, and the ratio of n/gamma radiation components. It has been shown that oscillations cannot be excited during gamma-radiolysis under any conditions. It is suggested that the mechanism of the oscillations is similar to the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction mechanism. A chain reaction proceeds in the irradiated system, in which the reactants H2O2 (reducing agent), oxidizing agent OH radicals initiating the chain, and the catalyst are introduced from the outside. Hydrogen molecules produced by the action of radiation play the role of the catalyst, and H2O molecules formed in the secondary reactions are the deactivated form of the catalyst. Hydrogen atoms and hydrated electrons propagate the chain. Oxygen formed in both spurs and the secondary reactions is the inhibitor terminating the chain reaction.