A Mathematical Model of Radiolysis of Water Sorbed on PuO2

A mathematical model of radiolysis of water sorbed on PuO2 was developed. The model is basedon the postulate that the kinetic characteristics of formation of the initial products in α-radiolysis of sorbedwater (H2, O2, H2O, e-eq, OH) depend on its content. To explain experimental data showing that the steady-state amounts of H2 are practically equal to the initial amount of sorbed water, the reaction betweenPuO2 and H2O2 yielding H2O and superstoichiometric plutonium dioxide was postulated. The minimum value of the rate constant of this reaction was found (2 ×10-3 mol-1 s-1). The proposed mathematical model adequately describes the experimental data on formation of hydrogen and oxygen released from water in contact with PuO2 at its prolonged storage.