Speciation of Pu ions by differential pulse polarography

By means of differential pulse polarography, Pu ions of different oxidation states have been investigated in 1M Na₂CO₃ solution. Redox reactions of Pu/III/, Pu/IV/, Pu/V/ and Pu/VI/, which are mostly of irreversible nature, have been observed within the potential range of the dropping mercury electrode /DME/, from 0 to –1.5 V, against a Ag/AgCl/NaCl (3M) reference electrode. Based on the peak potential observed for each reaction, the stability of a given oxidation state in the solution could be ascertained. The redox potential of the Pu/IV/–Pu/III/ pair, which was found to be –1.0 V, indicated that the Pu/IV/ carbonate complex was of high stability. The detection sensitivity of the Pu/IV/ ion was found to be 1×10^–6M.