The Autoradioluminescence of Uranyl Salts. A new Luminescence Emission Standard for 500 - 600 nm

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-20-1990

Department

Department of Chemistry

Abstract

The autoradioluminescence (ARL) from uranyl ion (less than 0.2 M) arises exclusively via β emission from 238U daughters 234Th and 234Pa). Dilute aqueous solutions of uranyl nitrate freed from these daughters show no spontaneous light emission, but the steady state luminescence is exponentially re-established with the 24 day half-life of 234Th as originally described in the classic work of Rutherford and Soddy. However, concentrated solutions and solid uranyl nitrate also luminesce from α stimulation. The spectral distribution of the ARL from uranyl nitrate at λ > 400 nm in aqueous solution is identical to that of UO22+ fluorescence. The ARL of "aged" uranyl nitrate is linear in concentration (less than 0.2 M) in a number of solvents, and is invariant from preparations stored for several months. These solutions are useful for calibration of instruments where very low light levels are involved.

Publisher's Statement

© 1990

Publication Title

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry

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