Exploring the relationship between Th(IV) adsorption and the structure alteration of phlogopite

Abstract The adsorption of Th(IV) and the structural transformation of phlogopite were explored using batch, extraction, and spectroscopic approaches in this study. The batch experiments showed that ion exchange, surface complexation, and precipitation were predominant for Th(IV) adsorption on phlogopite under the observed pH ranges. XRD patterns showed that phlogopite was indeed transforming into the vermiculite- and/or montmorillonite-like minerals during Th(IV) adsorption, which indicated that the adsorption of Th(IV) could enhance the weathering process of phlogopite. Such weathering process could be attributed to the intercalation of hydrated Th(IV) ions instead of K+ ions locating at the interlayer sites, and then induced the expansion of the interlayer with a d-spacing of ~ 14 A. Higher temperature and initial Th(IV) concentration were benefit for the structural transformation, but the presence of alkaline cations inhibited the expansion process following the order of Rb+ > K+ > Na+ ≈ Li+, which is strictly consistent with their hydrated radii and energy. Fulvic acid (FA) affected the distribution of Th(IV) on phlogopite to a large extent, which induced different adsorption mechanisms for Th(IV) and the alteration process of phlogopite structure. The results clearly showed a positively relationship between the immobilization ability for Th(IV) and alteration degree of phlogopite structure, which is very important to understand the mutual interaction of radionuclides and micaceous minerals in the environment.