Mechanism of radiolysis of carbon dioxide

Abstract

The radiolytic behaviour of CO2 was investigated following the CO16 162—O18 182—CO16, CO18 182—O18 182—CO16, CO18 182—CO16, CO16 162—O18 182, C13O—CO16 162—O18 182 as well as the CO18 182—CO16 162 and O18 182—O16 162+CO2 isotopic exchange reactions. CO is formed as primary product with a G value of approx. 11. O2 was a secondary product presumably formed by the decomposition of CO3 molecules. The latter species was suggested for the oxidation of CO to CO2, for the perpetuation of the CO2—CO2 isotopic exchange as well as for the inhibition of the O2—O2 exchange.