Conversion of Ag0 into Ag2+ in γ-irradiated organic solid solutions at 77 K as studied by ESR

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.72.363

Ethanol and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF) solutions of silver perchlorate were irradiated with γ-rays at 77 K. Two kinds of silver atoms (Ag⁰) and a small amount of dimer cations (Ag2⁺) were formed in both solids immediately after irradiation. On storing at 77 K, both Ag⁰ species reacted with Ag⁺ to form Ag2⁺ in ethanol, while in MTHF only the minor Ag⁰ species reacted, resulting in less growth of Ag2⁺ yield than in ethanol. The mechanism for the formation of Ag2⁺ has been discussed in terms of thermal diffusion and quantum tunneling.