Determination of the key parameters involved in the formation process of akaganeite in a laboratory-simulated wet-dry cyclic process

Abstract To determine the key parameters of akaganeite formation during a wet-dry cyclic process, cyclic immersion tests and simulated experiments were employed under laboratory conditions. The constituents of rust were characterized using XRD and FTIR. According to the results, green rust (Fe II 4 Fe III 2 Cl 2−x (OH) 12+x ) was a crucial intermediate product during the formation of akaganeite. The evaporation rate of the electrolyte and the amount of Cl − per area played a key role in the formation of the green rust. Additionally, the required amounts of salt for akaganeite formation were determined from simulation experiments in different relative humidity environments.