Hydrogen generation by gamma irradiation of aqueous turbid solution of titanium

• Published in: Current science (Bangalore) 2011-03, Vol.100 (6), p.895-900
• Main Authors: Kumbhar, A. G., Belapurkar, A. D., Venkateswaran, G., Bera, S., Naik, D. B., Kishore, K., Sanjukta, A., Mythili, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical suspensions; Free radicals; Hydrogen; Irradiation; Liquids; Nanoparticles; Radiolysis; RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS; Titanium; Turbidity; Volume
• ISSN: 0011-3891

Irradiation of titanium metal turbidity (aqueous suspension) by Co γ-radiation generated a significant quantity of hydrogen. Titanium turbidity containing particles of micron/submicron size was generated by stirring titanium metal powder at 70°C in water and was exposed to γ-radiation dose. Yield of radiolytic hydrogen, G(H2) was estimated by gas chromatography. In the presence of Ti turbidity, 10–20 times increase in hydrogen generation was observed as compared to that in plain or pristine water. G(H2) was found to increase with concentration of Ti turbidity. Gas to liquid volume ratio (G/L) of 1.0 was found to be optimum for maximum hydrogen yield. Effect of γ-radiation dose on total H2 yield and G(H2) was studied. Interference with hydrogen and hydroxyl radical recombination due to the reactivity of Ti3+ with hydroxyl radical seems to be the primary reason for enhanced radiolytic hydrogen production. Methanol addition to Ti turbid solution appears to increase hydrogen generation by almost 100 times. An outlay for medium scale hydrogen generation using γ-radiation energy is also being worked out.