Oxygenation of ferrous ions in reversed micelle and reversed microemulsion

The aerosol of reversed micelle and the Schulman's reversed microemulsion with aqueous cores trapping dilute Fe/sup 2 +/ solution have been prepared and subjected to oxygenation by air at different temperatures between 30 and 70 C. It was confirmed that the apparent rate of oxygenation reaction is enhanced for both the reversed micelle and reversed microemulsion by ca. 102 to 103-fold of that in bulk solution. By the air oxidation of the reversed microemulsion, in particular, precipitates appeared from the water pools. Electron micrographs of the precipitates showed sharp needles which are likely to be FeOOH crystals, indicating the building of a strongly alkaline environment in the aqueous cores. The probable causes of rise in pH and the resulting acceleration of overall oxidation reaction have been suggested. 24 references.