Photolytic and radiolytic studies of redox processes in aqueous solutions of acridine yellow

Abstract

Irradiation by visible light of an aqueous solution containing acridine yellow as a sensitizer and EDTA or cysteine as an electron donor leads to the formation of reduced species which can later reduce several different electron acceptors. Methyl viologen, europium(III) salicylate, europium(III) EDTA complex or vanadium(III) salicylate were used as electron acceptors. In the presence of a catalyst [nickel, palladium, platinum(IV) oxide or colloidal platinum] reduction of water is accompanied by the evolution of hydrogen. The kinetics and mechanism of redox reactions occurring in such a system have been explored by pulse radiolysis. Optimum conditions for water reduction under continuous illumination are analysed and implications for an energy conversion system discussed.