Variation of Surface Characteristics and Sorption Properties of Zirconium Silicate under Irradiation by Bremsstrahlung Gamma Rays

Abstract

The effect of bremsstrahlung gamma rays on the surface parameters of microporous amorphous zirconiumsilicate and on its ability for sorption is studied. The samples were irradiated using a betatron (electronaccelerator) with the maximal energy of the g-quanta of 10 MeV and 24 MeV. The surface characteristics of thesorbents were studied by low-temperature adsorption/desorption of nitrogen. The experimental data wereprocessed by BET, DR, and BJH methods. The results show that under exposure to Bremsstrahlung gamma raysthe micropores of the sorbent under investigation are partly transformed in mesopores.The ability of zirconium silicate to absorb Sr2+ ions from an aqueous solution of strontium chloride is shownto increase noticeably after irradiation by 24-MeV bremsstrahlung gamma rays.Keywords: gamma rays, zirconium silicate, surface characteristics, ability to absorb.