The effect of irradiation on electrode processes. The hydrogen peroxide electrode

Abstract

A study has been made of the effect of ⁶⁰Co γ and 1 MeV electron beam irradiation on the hydrogen peroxide electrode in acid solutions. The small positive potential shifts which are observed are due to the effect of the irradiation on the electrode reactions defining the hydrogen peroxide mixed potential. It is deduced from steady state polarization studies that the HO₂ radical generated radiolytically in the bulk solution is not electrochemically significant. On prolonged irradiation the electrode potential falls to a value negative to E(H₂O₂) if the concentration of radiolytic H₂ builds up sufficiently to establish the H₂-H⁺ exchange as an electrochemically significant process.