Radiation-chemical reduction of Tl plus ions in aqueous solutions of alcohols

Irradiation of deaerated aqueous solutions containing Tl2SO4 and alcohols (CH3OH, C2H5OH, or (CH3)2CHOH) with accelerated electrons results in the formation of a colloidal solution of the metal, which gradually coagulates to form a microporous precipitate. The metal formation efficiency increases in going from CH3OH to C2H5OH and then to (CH3)2CHOH and with increasing pH of the solutions from 4.5 to 12.5. At pH 12 in the presence of isopropyl alcohol, the metal formation efficiency is 0.34 & PLUSMN; 0.04 & mu;mol J-1. The colloidal solution is unstable in air, with the metal undergoing oxidative dissolution.

Automated summary

Irradiation of deaerated aqueous solutions containing Tl2SO4 and alcohols leads to the formation of a colloidal solution of the metal, with the formation efficiency depending on the type of alcohol and the pH of the solution. Under specific conditions, the metal formation efficiency is 0.34±0.04 μmol J-1.