Action of Tb(IV) on Pu(VI) in Acid Solutions Containing Unsaturated Phosphotungstate K10P2W17O61

In solutions with рН 1.5–2.0, terbium(IV) stabilized with phosphotungstate anions P2W17O6110– in the presence of a slight excess of the unsaturated phosphotungstate slowly oxidizes plutonium(VI). The arising Pu(VII) cation forms a complex with unsaturated phosphotungstate anions and is rapidly reduced with water. Flash radiolysis may be an efficient tool for studying the Pu(VI) oxidation, e.g., with the OH· radical and the reaction of Pu(VII) with water.