Photochemical reactions of aqueous plutonium systems

Photochemical effects on four aqueous plutonium perchlorate solutions have been observed and reported. The photochemical reduction of PuO22+ to PuO2+ and of Pu4+ to Pu3+ have been observed, and the quantum yields were determined to be 0.02 and 0.03, respectively. A reversible photochemical shift in the equilibrium of the Pu4+ disproportionation was observed and the equilibrium coefficient increased by a factor of three when the sample was irradiated. Light has been observed to increase the rate and extent of depolymerization of Pu(IV) polymer. (author)