Alpha localized radiolysis and corrosion mechanisms at the iron/water interface: Role of molecular species

Abstract This paper is devoted to the iron corrosion phenomena induced by the α ( 4 He 2+ ) water radiolysis species studied in conjunction with the production/consumption of H 2 at the solid/solution interface. On one hand, the solid surface is characterized during the 4 He 2+ ions irradiation by in situ Raman spectroscopy; on another hand, the H 2 gas produced by the water radiolysis is monitored by ex situ gas measurements. The 4 He 2+ ions irradiation experiments are provided either by the CEMHTI ( E = 5.0 MeV) either by the ARRONAX ( E = 64.7 MeV) cyclotron facilities. The iron corrosion occurs only under irradiation and can be slowed down by H 2 reductive atmosphere. Pure iron and carbon steel solids are studied in order to show two distinct behaviors of these surfaces vs . the 4 He 2+ ions water irradiation: the corrosion products identified are the magnetite phase (Fe(II)Fe(III) 2 O 4 ) correlated to an H 2 consumption for pure iron and the lepidocrocite phase (γ-Fe(III)OOH) correlated to an H 2 production for carbon steel sample. This paper underlined the correlation between the iron corrosion products formation onto the solid surface and the H 2 production/consumption mechanisms. H 2 O 2 species is considered as the single water radiolytic species involved into the corrosion reaction at the solid surface with an essential role in the oxidation reaction of the iron surface. We propose to bring some light to these mechanisms, in particular the H 2 and H 2 O 2 roles, by the in situ Raman spectroscopy during and after the 4 He 2+ ions beam irradiation. This in situ experiment avoids the evolution of the solid surface, in particular phases which are reactive to the oxidation processing.