Radiation Chemistry of Neptunium Ions in Aqueous Carbonate and Bicarbonate Solutions*

The radiolytic reactions of neptunium ions in aqueous carbonate, alkaline carbonate, and bicarbonate solutions were examined. It was found that Np(VI) is not oxidized to Np(VII) in carbonate and bicarbonate solutions saturated with nitrous oxide, whereas this oxidation process takes place in alkaline carbonate solutions, in which Np(VI) occurs as a hydroxo complex. It was also found that Np(V) is a radiation-stable neptunium species in carbonate solutions, whereas Np(VI) is stable in bicarbonate solutions.