Gamma radiation mediated hydrogen generation by water decomposition on nano-ZrO2 surface

Abstract

The physical properties and crystal structure of ZrO2 were determined. The basic properties of nanostructured materials are given. The
prospects for the use of nanomaterials in the nuclear-power engineering, associated with the creation of nanostructured materials and
coatings for structural elements of nuclear-power engineering plant and future thermal nuclear reactor to increase hardness and strength
characteristics, raising corrosion and radiation resistance have been considered. The radiation- heterogeneous processes of water
decomposition zirconium dioxide (n-ZrO2) nanoparticles have been studied. The kinetics of buildup of molecular hydrogen in the
radiolytic processes of water decomposition has been examined. The kinetics of molecular hydrogen accumulation at a gamma radiolysis
of water on n-ZrO2 surface is investigated. Influence of gamma radiations on n-ZrO2+H2O systems is studied at various temperatures
T=300÷673K. Values of rates of molecular hydrogen accumulation at radiation, radiation-thermal and thermal processes are defined.
Deposits of thermal and radiation-thermal processes at accumulation of molecular hydrogen in contact of n-ZrO2 with water are revealed.
These results are promising for hydrogen generation by water splitting in near future.