Sciencemadness Discussion Board
Not logged in [Login ]
Search the forums Search   Frequently Asked Questions FAQ   View member list Member List   Today's Posts Today's Posts   Forum Stats Stats Back to: sciencemadness.org
Sciencemadness Discussion Board » Fundamentals » Chemistry in General » Thallium metal storage Go To Bottom

Printable Version  
Author: Subject: Thallium metal storage
Dennis SK
Harmless
*



Posts: 21
Registered: 12-3-2012
Member Is Offline

Mood: No Mood

[*] posted on 16-3-2012 at 04:00
Thallium metal storage

Hello all.

Thallium
If left in air it oxidizes heavily.
I noticed that most companies deliver Tl in water.
Wont there form a heavy hydroxide layer that way?

Also, Whats the easiest way to remove the oxide layer without "eating away" to much of the metal?

Thanks in advance
View user's profile View All Posts By User
neptunium
National Hazard
****



Posts: 986
Registered: 12-12-2011
Location: between Uranium and Plutonium
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 16-3-2012 at 05:48


oxigen is the Thallium enemy. and as far as every sample of Tl i've seen it was always stored in a vacuum ampoule or inerte gas and often in oil. never in water.
steam can effectivelly produce TlOH and moist air will destroy a sample rapidely.
the layer of oxidized (and TlOH) can be removed by simply cutting it away exposing the fresh metal underneath.

Thallium is very toxic and has killed before ,always wear gloves when handling it.

[Edited on 16-3-2012 by neptunium]



View user's profile Visit user's homepage View All Posts By User
Zan Divine
Hazard to Others
***



Posts: 170
Registered: 3-12-2011
Location: New York
Member Is Offline

Mood: Wishing all the worst that life has to offer to that SOB Wayne Lapierre

[*] posted on 17-3-2012 at 15:36


I just had occasion to prepare a thallium sample for someone. The recommended crucible for Tl is cast iron and so a pipe cap with the interior threads removed is a good choice. I milled a form into a graphite block, melted the Tl over a low flame outdoors (respirator) removed the dross by skimming and poured the mini-ingot. The metal is a bright silver and stays that way under deoxygenated water.
View user's profile View All Posts By User
Dennis SK
Harmless
*



Posts: 21
Registered: 12-3-2012
Member Is Offline

Mood: No Mood

[*] posted on 18-3-2012 at 01:08


Ok Zan,
Sounds nice.

I've been thinking about making small "bars" of thallium or even melt it into ampoules.

Did anyone notice the very sharp increase in Tl price over the past few years?

I dont know what volume price is but from chemical suppliers like aldrich , alfa aesar stc. its about 6000 USD/kilo in 100-250g lots or more. (the same stated on USGS)
View user's profile View All Posts By User
Zan Divine
Hazard to Others
***



Posts: 170
Registered: 3-12-2011
Location: New York
Member Is Offline

Mood: Wishing all the worst that life has to offer to that SOB Wayne Lapierre

[*] posted on 18-3-2012 at 20:49


This was from GalliumSource, special order. $260/25g.
View user's profile View All Posts By User

 Sciencemadness Discussion Board » Fundamentals » Chemistry in General » Thallium metal storage   Go To Top