The application of spectroelectrochemical techniques to the study of the actinide elements is described. Reticulated vitreous carbon, porous metal foam, and platinum screen optically transparent electrodes have been used for simultaneous generation and characterization of some less-stable oxidation states of americium.Stable 243 Am (IV) has been prepared by electrolytic oxidation of 243 Am(III) in various carbonate solutions including (NH 4 ) 2 C0 3 . Na 2 C0 3 , K 2 C0 3 , and Cs 2 C0 3 . Quantitative spectrophotometry and Potentiometrie redox titrations were performed on Am(IV) solutions to confirm the identity of the oxidation state. Cyclic voltammetric studies showed a quasi-reversible Am(IV)/Am(III) couple in 2M Na 2 C0 3 -NaHC0 3 at pH 9.7. The corresponding formal redox potential in this medium was estimated to be 0.92 ± 0.01 V vs NHE. This value was used to estimate the standard potential for the Am(IV)/Am(III) couple as 2.6 ì 0.1 V.Application of 1.1 V to a stable Am (IV)-K 2 C0 3 solution provided for quantitative oxidation to Am(V), resulting in the formation of an Am(V) double-carbonate precipitate. Am(V) and Am (VI) were generated electrochemically at 1.1 V and 1.3 V, respectively, in 2M Na 2 C0 3 solution.The absorption spectra and redox behavior of Am(III), Am(IV), and Am(V) in carbonate solution are reported.
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