Prediction of rate constants of important chemical reactions in water radiation chemistry in sub and supercritical water – non-equilibrium reactions

The rate constants for reactions involved in the radiolysis of water under relevant thermodynamic conditions in supercritical water-cooled reactors are estimated for inputs in simulations of the radiation chemistry in Generation IV nuclear reactors. We have discussed the mechanism of each chemical reaction with a focus on non-equilibrium reactions. We found most of the reactions are activation controlled above the critical point and that the rate constants are not significantly pressure dependent below 300 °C. This work will aid industry with developing chemical control strategies to suppress the concentration of eroding species.

Selective free radical reactions using supercritical carbon dioxide

We report herein a means to modify the reactivity of alkenes, and particularly to modify their selectivity toward reactions with nonpolar reactants (e.g., nonpolar free radicals) in supercritical carbon dioxide near the critical point. Rate constants for free radical addition of the light hydrogen isotope muonium to ethylene, vinylidene fluoride, and vinylidene chloride in supercritical carbon dioxide are compared over a range of pressures and temperatures. Near carbon dioxide's critical point, the addition to ethylene exhibits critical speeding up, while the halogenated analogues display critical slowing. This suggests that supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent may be used to tune alkene chemistry in near-critical conditions.