Mechanism of radiolysis of carbon dioxide

Abstract

The radiolytic behaviour of CO₂ was investigated following the CO^{16 16}₂—O^{18 18}₂—CO¹⁶, CO^{18 18}₂—O^{18 18}₂—CO¹⁶, CO^{18 18}₂—CO¹⁶, CO^{16 16}₂—O^{18 18}₂, C¹³O—CO^{16 16}₂—O^{18 18}₂ as well as the CO^{18 18}₂—CO^{16 16}₂ and O^{18 18}₂—O^{16 16}₂+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.