Radiation chemistry of gaseous ammonia. Part 2.—Hydrazine formation

Abstract

The radiolysis of gaseous NH₃ with 1.0 MeV electrons was investigated both in a static system as a function of radiation intensity and in a flow system as a function of flow rate, intensity and temperature. The effects of flow rate, pressure and radiation intensity are qualitatively similar to those reported by McDonald, Kahn and Gunning for photochemical decomposition of NH₃ in a flow system. At a constant flow rate and radiation intensity, N₂H₄ yields increased with increase in temperature with G(N₂H₄)= 17.0 exp (–1980/RT). An upper limit of G(—NH₃)= 34.0 is indicated when all H atoms are scavenged by NH₃ and all NH₂ radicals combine to form N₂H₄. Lower G(—NH₃) are observed under attainable conditions due to NH₃ reformation reactions of NH₂ with N₂H₄.