Reduction and aggregation of silver ions and mixed aggregates in aqueous solutions of carboxymethyl cellulose

Abstract

Radiolytic reduction of silver ions and its aggregates were studied in aqueous carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) solutions. The early processes of silver gets affected in the presence of CMC via complexation. The ratio of silver ions to CMC chains decreases or accelerates the processes that involve silver ions. Presence of excess silver ions enhances the stability of small clusters in the presence of CMC. Mixed aggregates of thallium/silver and cadmium/silver get stabilised in the presence of CMC. It is concluded that Co + do not transfer electron to Pb 2+ and Tl +. Also, no electron transfer reaction was observed between either Tl 2 + and Co 2+ or Pb 0 and Cd 2+. However, Zn + transfers electron to Pb 2+ and Tl 2 + transfers electron to Cu 2+ with a rate of 4.2×10 7 M −1s −1 and 3.5×10 9 M −1s −1, respectively. The reactions are discussed in terms of the electrochemical potential of the metal ions (or metals) involved.