Pulse radiolytic studies of metallic clusters in a quaternary microemulsion system

The radiation-chemical reduction of Tl⁺, Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions in water-in-oil microemulsion has been described. Rate constants for the reduction of the metal ions by e^- _aq were found to be much lower compared to those in aqueous solution. The absorption spectrum and the rate constants of formation of the transient intermediates of metal clusters were correlated with the water-pool size, surrounding environment and compared with data in aqueous solution. Tl₂ ⁺ reacts with Cd²⁺ with k = 1.1 × 10⁸ M^-1 s^-1. Reactions of Tl₂ ⁺ and Co⁺ with Ag⁺ leads to the formation of Ag metal particles. No reaction was observed from Cd⁺ to Tl⁺ or Co²⁺. The results are discussed in terms of dynamic exchange of materials between the polar cores of microemulsion. This exchange facilitates formation of silver particles.