Valence Stabilization of Fe(II) Ions during Extended Gamma Irradiation of Their Aqueous Acidic Solutions Containing Phenol, Acetone, 4-Ethylpyridine or Hydrazine Hydrate

Abstract

Valence stabilization of polyvalent ions in acidic solutions during gamma irradiation is an important issue in nuclear aqueous chemical technology. Radiolysis and self irradiation problems encountered during chemical reprocessing of nuclear fuel or during chemical separation of transuranium elements or fission products are extremely important. Consequently studies on valence stabilization of polyvalent ions in strong gamma irradiation fields are very useful. In our previous publications, the valence stabilization of Fe(II) ions in acidic solutions during continuous gamma irradiation was achieved by using an inorganic compound; such as sodium sulfite, or some organic additives such as aliphatic alcohols, aldehyds or acids prior to irradiation. It was found that the efficiency of valence stabilization depends on the amount and chemical structure of the added compounds. In the present work, valence stabilization of divalent iron during gamma irradiation was studied in presence of some organic additives, belonging to some other classes of organic compounds such as Phenol (aromatic alcohol), Acetone (aliphatic ketone), 4-Aminopyridine (heterocyclic amino compound) and Hydrazine hydrate (aliphatic amino compound) to complement our previous studies. The results showed that valence stabilization of Fe(II) in presence of these compounds depends also on the amount and chemical structure of the additive used. Some interaction mechanisms have been proposed.