Adsorption of Mineral Acids on Alumina Irradiated in the Nuclear Reactor

Adsorption of Telluric, phosophoric and molybdie acids alumina was affected by irradiation of oxide in the nuclear reactor. Main changes include reduced adsorption capacity and lowering of pH values of aqueous suspensions of alumina. Both were reproduced by using nonirradiated alumina treated with 2.7x10−1M HCl. Induced acidity of alumina could be decreased by irradiation without free access of the surrounding atmosphere to the samples. The presence of an inert gas ensures efficient protection of alumina. These reactions were discussed on the basis of the highly hydroxylated surface of alumina uhich may be affected by radiolysis and by interaction with gaseous radiolytic products. Wider application of alumina could be achieved on the basis of these results.