Sorption competition and kinetics of trivalent cations (Eu, Y and Cm) on corundum (α-Al2O3): A batch sorption and TRLFS study. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Virtanen, S.; Meriläinen, S.; Eibl, M.; Rabung, T.; Lehto, J.; Huittinen, N.
• Is Part Of: Applied geochemistry. Volume 92(2018)
• Page Start: 71
• Page End: 81
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Sorption competition -- Eu(III) -- Cm(III) -- Y(III) -- TRLFS -- Corundum -- α-Al2O3; Environmental geochemistry -- Periodicals; Water chemistry -- Periodicals; Geochemistry -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Geochemistry -- Periodicals; 551.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2018.02.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-2927

Abstract

Abstract: In this study we have combined batch sorption and laser spectroscopic investigations to study the sorption of Eu(III) and Cm(III), on the aluminum oxide corundum in single- and multi-metal systems. Experiments were performed using a constant equilibrium time as a function of pH (pH-edges) or at constant pH as a function of equilibrium time (kinetic experiments) in 0.01 M NaClO4 and carbonate free conditions. The objective was to investigate how the sorption behavior of trivalent actinides and lanthanides is affected by the presence of another trivalent metal, Y(III). Our hypothesis was that the addition of higher concentrations of trivalent Y(III) together with a chemically similar trivalent metal, Eu(III) or Cm(III), would affect the sorption behavior of that metal. Batch experiments show that when the concentration of competing Y(III) is high enough (1 × 10 −4 M) to occupy most of the surface sites, there is a clear shift in the position of the Eu(III) pH-edge to higher pH. Spectroscopic studies using time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) clearly confirm sorption competition between the trivalent metals Cm(III) and Y(III), but they also indicate a change in the surface speciation of the trivalent actinide in the presence of the competing metal if the concentration of that competing metal is high enough. Highlights: Batch sorption and laser spectroscopic investigations of Eu(III) and Cm(III). Sorption of metals on the aluminum oxide in single- and multi-metal systems. Sorption competition visible if the concentration of the competing metal is high enough. Change in the surface speciation of Cm(III) in the presence of the competing metal.