Water radiolysis on plutonium dioxide: Initial results identifying a threshold relative humidity for oxygen gas generation
The radiolysis of water adsorbed onto the surface of high-purity plutonium dioxide powder is important for the safe storage and transportation of plutonium. Plutonium dioxide is the stable form of plutonium in air and plutonium dioxide readily adsorbs water from the atmosphere. The number of monolayers of water adsorbed is relative humidity dependent. Radiolysis of the adsorbed water can result in flammable conditions in sealed containers even if the atmosphere within the container has been flushed with an inert gas. The initial net rates of oxygen and hydrogen gas formation due to radiolysis of water associated with high-purity plutonium dioxide material are reported as a function of exposure relative humidity. A threshold relative humidity is observed for oxygen gas generation and a lower threshold appears to exist for hydrogen gas generation. Above their respective thresholds the net rates of oxygen and hydrogen gas generation increase rapidly. The net rates of formation are nearly linear with the number of monolayers above the threshold coverage. The net rates are also dependent upon specific surface area, but not linearly.