On forming "giant clusters" in an acidic solution of Ce(IV) nitrates

Aoyagi, Noboru   ; Motokawa, Ryuhei   ; Saito, Takumi*; Okumura, Masahiko   ; Ikeda, Atsushi  

We aimed at finding out a structural order and interaction between intra/inter clustering molecules composed of tetravalent cerium ions and others at high concentration: e.g. ranging from 50.0 mM to 1.0 M. Surprisingly, we confirmed that the "giant cluster" with a diameter of ca. 25.4 nm was formed after examining X-ray small-angle scattering patterns in detail. Plus, this diameter enlarges as time evolves. Moreover, we demonstrate detailed analysis as well as model construction for theoretical calculation and verification on the formation and characteristics, whether or not agglomeration of primary clusters, of giant clusters.