Kinetics of the Alpha Radiolysis of Carbon Monoxide

Abstract

The radiolytic decomposition of CO induced by alpha particles appears to be initiated by two reactive species, CO⁺ and CO^*. The products of the reaction are CO₂ and the solids (C₃O₂)_x and graphite. Carbon dioxide formed during the reaction depletes the CO⁺ by charge transfer. Thus, when CO₂ pressure becomes sufficiently high, CO^* only initiates reaction. The reaction mechanism suggested is consistent with previous ionization and photochemical studies in the CO system.