Enhancement in gamma ray induced decomposition of zirconium and thorium nitrates in sulfate matrix in solid state

Abstract

Gamma ray induced decomposition of zirconium and thorium nitrates in sulfate matrices doped with common cation and alkali metal (Na, K) cations at various concentrations has been studied. G(NO⁻ ₂) values of the nitrate salt are found to increase with the concentration of the sulfate in the binary mixture. Electron spin resonance (ESR), thermoluminescence (TL) and reflectance spectral studies suggest the formation of radical species SO⁻ ₄, SO⁻ ₃, O⁻ ₃, O⁻ ₂; which may be responsible for the energy transfer to nitrate. Efficiency of energy transfer follows the order K₂SO₄ > Na₂SO₄ > Zr/Th sulfate. A possible mechanism has been suggested.

Key Words:

• Zirconium nitrate
• thorium nitrate
• gamma ray irradiation
• zirconium sulfate
• thorium sulfate
• electron spin resonance
• thermoluminescence
• reflectance spectrum