Despite
the significant impact of radiation-induced redox reactions
on the accessibility and lifetimes of actinide oxidation states, fundamental
knowledge of aqueous actinide metal ion radiation chemistry is limited,
especially for the late actinides. A quantitative understanding of
these intrinsic radiation-induced processes is essential for investigating
the fundamental properties of these actinides. We present here a picosecond
electron pulse reaction kinetics study into the radiation-induced
redox chemistry of trivalent berkelium (Bk(III)) and californium (Cf(III))
ions in acidic aqueous solutions at ambient temperature. New and first-of-a-kind,
second-order rate coefficients are reported for the transient radical-induced
reduction of Bk(III) and Cf(III) by the hydrated electron (eaq
–) and hydrogen atom (H•), demonstrating
a significant reactivity (up to 1011 M–1 s–1) indicative of a preference of these metals
to adopt divalent states. Additionally, we report the first-ever second-order
rate coefficients for the transient radical-induced oxidation of these
elements by a reaction with hydroxyl (•OH) and nitrate
(NO3
•) radicals, which also exhibited
fast reactivity (ca. 108 M–1 s–1). Transient Cf(II), Cf(IV), and Bk(IV) absorption spectra are also
reported. Overall, the presented data highlight the existence of rich,
complex, intrinsic late actinide radiation-induced redox chemistry
that has the potential to influence the findings of other areas of
actinide science.