The surface reactivity of hollandite in aqueous solution

Hollandite, [Ba_xCS_y][Ti, Al)³⁺_2x+y Ti⁴⁺_8−2x+y]O₁₆, has been subjected to aqueous chemical attack at 75 and 150 °C. The resultant surface alterations have been monitored by solution analysis, SEM/TEM investigations, and surface analysis. The evolution of the solid/solution system can be described by the following mechanisms: There is a near-instantaneous release of Cs and Ba from reactive surface sites, followed by relatively rapid dissolution of the first few monolayers. The release of Al drives the pH to low values as a result of Al-OH hydroxylation and precipitation of AIO(OH) and/or AI(OH)₃ species. The rate of dissolution is reduced by an order of magnitude or more by the formation of a thin and continuous Al(Ti)-rich surface layer. The layer remains stable and protective even under extreme hydrothermal conditions. This description has implications for the use of hollandite as a ceramic phase for disposal of high level nuclear wastes.