Preparation of ultrafine tellurium powders by the γ-radiation method at room temperature

The extension of a recently developed gamma radiation method to the preparation of ultrafine powders of acicular tellurium particles is reported. Analytically pure tellurium (IV) oxide was dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid. Sodium dodecyl sulphate was added as surfactant and isopropanol as a scavenger for hydroxyl radicals. Irradiation of the solutions by a 2.59x1015 Bq Co60 gamma ray source followed at room temperature. The products were separated from the solution, washed with distilled water and dried to powders in air at 40oC. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and differential thermal analysis of the powders was carried out. The results showed that the products were a single phase of tellurium with an hexagonal structure and consisted of acicular particles ranging in size from 10x80 to 40x300 nm. (3 figures, 12 references) (UK)