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]