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 H 3 BO 3 concentration. The main species including ammonia, H 2 O 2 , nitrogen oxides, and H 2 , 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 H 2 O 2 and O 2 . Furthermore, the radiolysis of aerated aqueous ammonia solution led to the formation of nitrogen oxides (NO 2 − and NO 3 − ). This process was driven by multiple oxidation reactions, in which O 2 and ·OH played crucial roles. Interestingly, the addition of H 3 BO 3 provided protection to ammonia during γ irradiation, while the concentration of H 2 O 2 was increased.