Use of Some Complexes of Platinum in the Radiolytic Decomposition of Water

Abstract

TThe radiolysis of water in the presence of complexes of Pt with amines and iodine acting as catalysts of the hydrogen production is reported. A radionuclide of 60Co with an activity of about 5x104 Ci was employed as an irradiation g source. A considerable increase of the amount of hydrogen resulting from the radiolysis of water in the presence of the above mentioned complex combinations was noticed in comparison with the reference sample, irradiated under the same experimental conditions, but without any catalyst. The products have been identified by means of a method based on mass spectrometry. A mechanism for the catalysed reaction is proposed.