High dose radiolysis of aqueous solutions of chloromethanes: Importance in the storage of radioactive organic wastes

P. Rajesh, J. A. LaVerne, S. M. Pimblott

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The radiolysis of aqueous solutions of chloromethanes (dichloromethane, CH2Cl2; chloroform, CHCl3; and carbon tetrachloride, CCl4) was performed with γ-rays to doses sufficient to completely decompose the solute in order to estimate the effects of radiation on the long-term storage of mixed waste in enclosed containers. One of the main relevant products was the inorganic chloride anion, which increased in concentration with increasing radiation dose due to the reactions of radiolytic decomposition products of water with the chloromethane. The pH of the solutions was observed to decrease with irradiation due to the formation of H3O+ as the counter ion to Cl-, i.e. the main radiolytic decomposition product is hydrochloric acid. Polymer formation was observed in aerated solutions as a precipitate while deaerated solutions exhibited a slight turbidity. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)10-17
    Number of pages7
    JournalJournal of Nuclear Materials
    Volume361
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 31 Mar 2007

    Keywords

    • C0400
    • G0100
    • K0100
    • W0200

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