Pulse radiolytic studies of metallic clusters in a quaternary microemulsion system

The radiation-chemicalreduction of TlC, Co2C and Ni2C ions in water-in-oilmicroemulsion has been described. Rate constants for the reduction of the metal ions by eaq 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 Cd 2C with k D 1:1 £ 108 M¡1 s¡1. Reactions of Tl2 and Co C with AgC leads to the formation of Ag metal particles. No reaction was observed from CdC to TlC or Co2C. The results are discussed in terms of dynamic exchange of materials between the polar cores of microemulsion. This exchange facilitates formation of silver particles.