Americium

The data on γ- and α-radiolysis of americium ion solutions at different degrees of oxidation and under various conditions, Am(6) and Am(5) reactivity relative to esub(aq)sup(-), Am(7) production, Am(4) and Am(2) properties are given. It is shown that in γ-radiolysis of alkaline aqueous solutions of Am(6) ions containing N2O or K2S2O8 Am(7) is formed. Under γ irradiation of Am(Cl04)3 solutions mainly Am(5) is formed at small radiation doses, Am(6) appears at large doses. Am(5) ions in hydrochloric solutions are reduced in α-radiolysis. The reduction rate has the first order with respect to the total Am concentration in the 0.009-0.033 M range. The Am(6) reduction rate under the effect of α-particles in nitric acid solutions has the zero order in Am(6). The Am(5) reduction yield in nitric acid solutions under the effect of α-particles approximately 2 times lower than in perchloric and sulphuric acid solutions. It is shown that heteropolyanions, in particular, PW11O397- and P2W17O6110- stabilize Am(4)