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Sorption of Ni by lithiophoriteasbolane intermediates in Moa Bay lateritic deposits, eastern Cuba
DOI:
10.1016/j.chemgeo.2010.04.006
Authors:
J. F. W.
Mosselmans
(Diamond Light Source)
,
J. A.
Proenza
(Departament de Cristal.lografia Mineralogia i Diposits Minerals, Universitat de Barcelona)
,
M.
Labrador
(Universitat de Barcelona)
,
S.
Galí
(Universitat de Barcelona)
,
K. D.
Atkinson
(Nuclear Department Defence Academy College of Management & Technology)
,
P. D.
Quinn
(Diamond Light Source)
,
J.
Roque-rosell
(Diamond Light Source)
Co-authored by industrial partner:
No
Type:
Journal Paper
Journal:
Chemical Geology
State:
Published (Approved)
Published:
June 2010
Abstract: The Moa Bay NiCo laterite deposits, placed in the so-called MayariBaracoa ophiolitic belt (eastern Cuba), are oxide type. Despite its geological relevance and economical impact no detailed studies exist with regards to cristallochemical characterization of Ni incorporated in (or attached to) the main Ni-containing minerals forming the lateritic profile. A sample corresponding to the ore limonite horizon has been studied by microfocus Raman, micro X-ray diffraction (μXRD), electron probe micro analysis (EPMA) and synchrotron radiation microfocus X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to gain structural and chemical information on Ni. The data obtained has revealed that Ni is preferably accumulated in quantities up to 21 wt.% in lithiophoriteasbolane intermediates. The local environment of Ni shows NiMn distances ∼3.5 Å suggesting that Ni is sorbed mostly in inner-sphere complexes sitting on Mn vacancies and at the edge of the Mn layers. However it is shown that in the presence of Al the Ni is incorporated within the lithiophoriteasbolane intermediate by developing brucite-like interlayers. The understanding of Ni sorption mechanisms within the limonite horizon suggests that combined physicochemical factors such as soil porosity and pH regime have important implications for Ni mobility across the profile.
Journal Keywords: Laterite deposits; Ni mobility; Ni sorption; “Lithiophorite–asbolane” intermediates; Asbolane; Lithiophorite
Subject Areas:
Environment
Instruments:
I18-Microfocus Spectroscopy