Issue 15, 2011

Iron oxyhydroxide colloid formation by gamma-radiolysis

Abstract

Gamma-irradiation of deaerated aqueous solutions containing FeSO4 leads to the formation of uniform-sized colloidal particles of γ-FeOOH. At short irradiation times, or in solutions with a low initial [Fe2+]0, spherical particles with a size less than 10 nm are formed. These primary particles grow to form a dendritic structure upon longer irradiation, and the final size of the large particles is ∼60 nm with a very narrow size distribution. Further prolonged irradiation does not change the final particle size. The narrow size distribution is attributed to rapid homogeneous radiolytic oxidation of soluble Fe2+ to relatively insoluble Fe3+ hydroxides [Fe(H2O)6−n(OH)n]3−n leading to particle nucleation by spontaneous condensation. These primary particles then grow into γ-FeOOH particles with a dendritic structure. The final size reached at long times is regulated by the steady-state redox conditions established during long-term irradiation at the aqueous–solid interface.

Graphical abstract: Iron oxyhydroxide colloid formation by gamma-radiolysis

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
10 Jan 2011
Accepted
15 Feb 2011
First published
11 Mar 2011

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011,13, 7198-7206

Iron oxyhydroxide colloid formation by gamma-radiolysis

P. A. Yakabuskie, J. M. Joseph, P. Keech, G. A. Botton, D. Guzonas and J. C. Wren, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, 13, 7198 DOI: 10.1039/C1CP20084D

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