Effect of NOx on AgI formation in Ag-mordenite

Abstract

Ag loaded mordenite can be used as a trap for radio-iodine arising from nuclear reprocessing operations. Typically, iodine is trapped in the Ag loaded mordenite by the formation of AgI in the pores of the mordenite, through a solid-vapour reaction. In the presence of NOx and water vapour, AgI is most likely formed by liquid-vapour reaction between AgNO3 and I2. This reaction results in the formation of large aggregates of AgI crystals on the surface of the mordenite, also leading to a yellow colouration of the mordenite, which is not observed when NOx and water vapour is absent.