radiolízis

Radiolysis is the physical and chemical changes produced in a material by ionizing radiation. This process can occur in solids, liquids, or gases, and it involves the interaction of radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, or X-rays, with the atoms or molecules of the substance. The energetic radiation can knock electrons out of atoms or molecules, creating ions, or it can break chemical bonds directly, forming free radicals. These reactive species are highly unstable and can initiate further chemical reactions, leading to the decomposition or modification of the original material.

The extent and nature of radiolysis depend on several factors, including the type and energy of the radiation, the dose absorbed, the chemical composition and physical state of the material, and environmental conditions like temperature and pressure. For example, water radiolysis produces hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals, which are potent oxidizing and reducing agents. In biological systems, radiolysis can damage DNA and other cellular components, contributing to the effects of radiation exposure. In materials science, understanding and controlling radiolysis is important for applications such as nuclear fuel reprocessing, radiation sterilization of medical equipment, and the long-term storage of radioactive waste. The study of radiolysis helps in predicting the behavior of materials under irradiation and in developing strategies to mitigate unwanted chemical changes.