Radiolysis of aerated aqueous ammonia solutions.

The radiolytic behaviors of aqueous ammonia solutions under γ-ray irradiation were investigated, focusing on several factors, including initial ammonia concentration, absorbed dose, and H3BO3 concentration. The main species including ammonia, H2O2, nitrogen oxides, and H2, were quantitatively analyzed. The results revealed the significant influence of the initial ammonia concentration on the radiolytic behavior of the aqueous ammonia solution. The existence of ammonia in the solution exhibited suppression of the concentrations of H2O2 and O2. Furthermore, the radiolysis of aerated aqueous ammonia solution led to the formation of nitrogen oxides (NO2− and NO3−). This process was driven by multiple oxidation reactions, in which O2 and ·OH played crucial roles. Interestingly, the addition of H3BO3 provided protection to ammonia during γ irradiation, while the concentration of H2O2 was increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]