Coprecipitation thermodynamics of iron(II-III) hydroxysulphate green rust from Fe(II) and Fe(III) salts

Iron(II-III) hydroxysulphate GR(SO₄²⁻) was prepared by precipitating a mixture of Fe(II) and Fe(III) sulphate solutions with NaOH, accompanied in most cases by iron(II) hydroxide, spinel iron oxide(s) or goethite. Its [Fe(II)]/[Fe(III)] ratio determined by transmission Mössbauer spectroscopy was 2±0.2, whatever the initial [Fe(II)]/[Fe(III)] ratio in solution. Proportion of Fe(OH)₂ increased when the initial [Fe(II)]/[Fe(III)] ratio increased, whereas proportion of α-FeOOH or spinel oxide(s) increased when this ratio decreased. GR(SO₄²⁻) is metastable vs. Fe₃O₄ except in a limited domain around neutral pH. Precipitation from solutions containing both Fe(II) and Fe(III) dissolved species seems to favour GRs formation with respect to stable systems involving iron (oxyhydr)oxides.     

Formation of ‘ferric green rust’ and/or ferrihydrite by fast oxidation of iron(II-III) hydroxychloride green rust

Fast oxidation processes of iron(II-III) hydroxychloride green rust GR(Cl⁻), Fe^II₃Fe^III(OH)₈Cl · 2H₂O, were simulated by two different methods. The first one consisted in using a strong oxidiser, namely H₂O₂. The main end product, analysed by X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy, is an iron(III) compound, designated as “ferric GR(Cl⁻)”, characterised by a layered structure identical to that of normal GR(Cl⁻). The second method consisted in decreasing the initial concentrations of reactants, thus increasing the proportion of dissolved O₂. Suspensions of GR(Cl⁻), obtained by mixing 4 × 10⁻³ M NaOH with FeCl₂ solutions for various R^′=[Cl⁻]/[OH⁻] values, oxidised rapidly into ferrihydrite-like compounds.     

Identification and formation of green rust 2 as an atmospheric corrosion product of carbon steel in marine atmospheres

Green rust 2 (GR2(SO^2?₄ )) was detected amongst the products formed on a carbon steel rod exposed to atmospheric corrosion using X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The presence of green rust 2 has been related to sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) in the sea spray. These were detected using test catch rods made out of inert material and posterior lab identification using Starkey culture. Likewise, after the exposure of said rods to sea environmental conditions, SRBs have been isolated from among the carbon steel corrosion products. The evolution of GR2(SO^2?₄ ) from GR1(SO^2?₄ ) was ruled out due to the tendency of this compund to produce GR2(SO^2?₄ ) in the presence of sulphate ions, as is the case here. Likewise, the evolution from GR1(Cl^?) has also been ruled out since in such case as this compound should be formed (it has not been detected in any of the 39 stations studied), the enormous affinity of the GRs with divalent anions (such as is the case with SO^2?₄ ) as opposed to the monovalent ions (such as is the case of the Cl^?) makes GR1(Cl^?) transform into GR2 (SO^2?₄ ).     

Oxidation of green rust suspensions containing different chromium ion species

The oxidation of hydrosulphate green rust (GR2(SO₄²⁻)) suspension containing different chromium ion species was investigated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The pH, oxidation-reduction potential and amount of dissolved oxygen in aqueous solutions were measured during the reactions. The results show that the addition of Cr(III)₂(SO₄)₃ solution suppresses the transformation of GR2(SO₄²⁻) into iron oxyhydroxides and oxides in aqueous solution, while the addition of Na₂Cr(VI)O₄ solution promotes the transformation of GR2(SO₄²⁻) in which Cr(VI) is reduced to Cr(III); α-FeOOH particles were refined by the addition of the chromium ions.     

On the formation of β-FeOOH (akaganéite) in chloride-containing environments

Fe(III) oxyhydroxides were synthesised in chlorinated environments via chemical or electrochemical processes in order to determine the conditions favouring the formation of akaganéite. Corrosion products were characterised using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The first method produced Fe(III) oxyhydroxides from the aerial oxidation of iron(II) precipitates which were obtained by mixing FeCl₂ · 4H₂O and NaOH solutions. Depending on the initial amounts of Fe²⁺, Cl⁻ and OH⁻, goethite, lepidocrocite or akaganéite were then obtained. When a large excess of dissolved FeCl₂ was present, akaganéite was formed independently of the oxygen flow. In the second method, steel electrodes were left in baths containing chloride with [Cl⁻] = 2 mol L⁻¹, using either FeCl₂ · 4H₂O or NaCl. Akaganéite was obtained exclusively in the FeCl₂ solutions, confirming that to obtain the formation of this compound, both iron(II) and chloride concentrations must be important.     

Oxidation of tungstate‐containing green rust (Cl–) in aqueous solution

The influence of tungstate on the oxidation of green rust [GR(Cl^–)], which contains both Fe(II) and Fe(III), was investigated by synthesizing suspensions of GR(Cl^–) containing tungstate and oxidizing them via injection of N₂ gas containing O₂. XRD and TEM analyses were used for characterizing the solid particles formed during synthesis and oxidation. The results showed that the formation of fine α‐FeOOH was enhanced by the addition of tungstate to the GR(Cl^–) suspensions, while GR(Cl^–) without tungstate was transformed primarily into γ‐FeOOH. The pH, oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP), and dissolved oxygen (DO) values of the aqueous solution were measured during oxidation of GR(Cl^–) with and without tungstate. The results showed that whereas the pH value of the solution was decreased and the ORP value was increased monotonically by oxidation of GR(Cl^–), the pH and ORP values during oxidation the GR(Cl^–) suspension containing tungstate revealed characteristic changes with time. XAS was also used for characterizing the chemical state and local structure of tungstate in the oxidized particles. The results indicated that the local structure of WO was essentially retained in the particles precipitated from GR(Cl^–) suspensions.     

Influence of anions on the formation of artificial steel rust particles prepared from acidic aqueous Fe(III) solution

For simulation of atmospheric corrosion of steels, artificial steel rust particles were prepared in acidic aqueous solutions containing FeCl₃, Fe(NO₃)₃ and Fe₂(SO₄)₃. A single phase α-FeOOH was formed in only Fe(NO₃)₃ system. The β-FeOOH was formed by added Cl⁻ in FeCl₃–Fe(NO₃)₃ system. Adding SO₄²⁻ in Fe(NO₃)₃, FeCl₃ and a mixture of FeCl₃–Fe(NO₃)₃ solutions turned the products following as α- or β-FeOOH → Schwertmannite (Fe₈O₈(OH)₆(SO₄)·nH₂O). Further, increasing the added SO₄²⁻ suppressed the formation of steel rust particles. Accordingly, the influence of anions on the formation of steel rust particles was to be suggested in order of SO₄²⁻ ≫ Cl⁻ > NO₃⁻.     

Formation, fast oxidation and thermodynamic data of Fe(II) hydroxychlorides

Iron(II) hydroxide and hydroxychloride precipitates were obtained by mixing FeCl₂ · 4H₂O and NaOH aqueous solutions with various concentration ratios R′ = [Cl⁻]/[OH⁻] = 2 [FeCl₂]/[NaOH] at [NaOH] = 0.4 mol L⁻¹. They were analysed by Infrared spectroscopy after 24 h of ageing at room temperature. Fe(OH)₂ was obtained alone only for the smallest values of R′, typically R′ ? 1.16. β-Fe₂(OH)₃Cl formed as soon as R′ ? 1.40 and was obtained alone for R′ ? 2.25. The initial precipitates were oxidised by addition of a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (5 mL of an aqueous solution containing approximately 30 vol% H₂O₂) instead of O₂. The action of H₂O₂ on Fe(OH)₂ gave rise to δ-FeOOH as already reported. Its action on Fe(II) hydroxychlorides gave rise to akaganéite β-FeO_1−2x(OH)_1+xCl_x. A transformation of the two-phase system found at R′ = 1.5 after long ageing times (6 months) was observed and β-Fe₂(OH)₃Cl remained alone. This slow transformation of Fe(OH)₂ into β-Fe₂(OH)₃Cl may explain why β-Fe₂(OH)₃Cl was only reported as a corrosion product on iron archaeological artefacts. Finally, the respective domains of stability of Fe(OH)₂ and β-Fe₂(OH)₃Cl were demarcated and an estimation of the standard Gibbs free energy of formation of β-Fe₂(OH)₃Cl could be given: .     

Effect of atmospheric pollutants on the corrosion of high power electrical conductors - Part 2. Pure copper

The research work performed during this study was simultaneously followed with another one published in this journal as Part I. A1 and 6201 A1 alloy. Its aim was to reveal a comparative picture of the joint effect of marine and industrial atmospheric pollutants on the corrosion resistance of wire metals employed for electric transmission conductors. Weight loss after 4, 11, 16 and 24 months exposure was determined and morphology of the attack analysed through SEM-ESEM-EDX. Cu corrosion products showed higher protectiveness than those of Al in marine sites for the lowest [Cl⁻] and in marine-industrial atmospheres even for the highest SO₂ contents. Respect to marine sites where [Cl⁻] was higher than [SO₂] Cu was more susceptible than A1.     

Effects of solution pH and Cl on electrochemical behaviour of an Aermet100 ultra-high strength steel in acidic environments

In this work, the effects of solution pH and Cl⁻ on the electrochemical behaviour of an Aermet100 ultra-high strength steel in 0.5 M (Na₂SO₄ + H₂SO₄) solution were studied by polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization. The results show that, when solution pH is below 4, the steel is in the active dissolution state, and corrosion current decreases with the increase of pH. There exists a critical pH value, above which the steel is passivated. Moreover, the oxides and hydroxides of Fe, Co, Ni and Cr are the primary components of the passive film. With addition of Cl⁻, pits are initiated on the steel electrode.     

Effect of chromium on the corrosion behavior of low alloy steel in sulfuric acid

The effects of a chromium (Cr) addition on the corrosion resistance of low alloy steel used in flue gas desulfurization systems were examined by electrochemical (potentiodynamic polarization tests, linear polarization measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and weight loss measurements in a 10 wt% H₂SO₄ solution at room temperature. All measurements revealed a decrease in corrosion rate with increasing Cr content. SEM, EPMA and XPS examinations of the corroded surfaces after the immersion test indicated that 0.6% Cr addition decreased corrosion damage to the steels because protective Cr oxides formed in all the rust layers and Fe oxides dominated over Fe sulphate compounds in the inner rust layers.     

Environmental factors affecting the corrosion behavior of reinforcing steel II. Role of some anions in the initiation and inhibition of pitting corrosion of steel in Ca(OH)2 solutions

Potential-time curves are constructed for the steel electrode in naturally aerated Ca(OH)₂ solutions simulating the corrosion behavior in concrete. Cl⁻ and SO₄²⁻ ions cause the destruction of passivity and initiation of pitting corrosion. The rate of oxide film growth by Ca(OH)₂ and oxide film destruction by Cl⁻ and SO₄²⁻ ions follows a direct logarithmic law as evident from the linear relationships between the open-circuit potential and the logarithm of immersion time. Chromate, phosphate, nitrite, tungstate and molybdate ions inhibit the pitting corrosion of steel. The rate of oxide film healing and thickening increases with their concentrations. In presence of constant inhibitor concentration, the efficiency of pitting inhibition increases in the order: (weak) CrO₄²⁻ < HPO₄²⁻ < NO₂⁻ < WO₄²⁻ < MoO₄²⁻ (strong).     

Corrosion of low carbon steel in atmospheric environments of different chloride content

This investigation aims to analyze the effect of Cl⁻ ion on the atmospheric corrosion rate of carbon steel. The metal samples were exposed to a marine atmospheric environment (95 and 375 m from the sea line) as well as an industrial atmospheric environment. The effects of Cl⁻ ions on the protective characteristics of the rust layers were assessed by IR spectroscopy, SEM-EDAX analyses, linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that Cl⁻ ion influences the corrosion rate, as well as the morphology and composition of the rust layer.     

Study on the boundary structures in a series of lanthanide hexacyanoferrate(III) n-hydrates

The properties of a series of lanthanide hexacyanoferrate(III) n-hydrates were studied by means of thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Thermal analyses showed that there were two kinds of complexes in this series, Ln[Fe(CN)₆]·5H₂O (Ln=La–Nd) and Ln′[Fe(CN)₆]·4H₂O (Ln′=Sm–Lu). The boundary complex between them was Nd[Fe(CN)₆]·5H₂O. The IR spectra of the two kinds of complexes were obviously different. For the pentahydrates, there were two sharp CN stretching bands at 2050 and 2140 cm⁻¹, and one band at 1600 cm⁻¹ assigned to the HOH bending. On the other hand, for the tetrahydrates besides the two CN stretching bands at 2050 and 2140 cm⁻¹, a new band was observed at 1940 cm⁻¹, and the HOH bending band split into three bands around 1600 cm⁻¹. From the X-ray crystal analysis, the structure of the boundary complex Nd[Fe(CN)₆]·5H₂O was determined. It belonged to hexagonal, P6₃/m, with a=7.467(2) Å, c=13.793(3) Å and Z=2 (R=0.082, R_w=0.126). Neodymium was nine-coordinated in the form of the NdN₆(H₂O)₃ group. The three coordinated water molecules of the 5H₂O complex with Nd have a large value for the equivalent isotropic thermal parameter. One of the three water molecules was dissociated easily and the 5H₂O complex changed into the stable 4H₂O complex with Nd. The crystal of the 4H₂O complex is orthorhombic, and belongs to the space group Cmcm as well as the other Ln[Fe(CN)₆]·4H₂O (Ln=Sm–Lu). Therefore, the structure of Nd[Fe(CN)₆]·5H₂O is regarded as the boundary structure.     

The preparation and thermodynamic properties of Fe(II)Fe(III) hydroxide-carbonate (green rust 1); Pourbaix diagram of iron in carbonate-containing aqueous media

Carbonate-containing green rust 1, GR1(CO₃²⁻), is prepared by oxidation of Fe(OH)₂ in aqueous solution. Ferrous hydroxide is precipitated from NaOH and FeSO₄·7H₂O solutions and carbonate ions are added as a Na₂CO₃ solution. For sufficiently large concentrations of sodium carbonate, SO₄²⁻ ions do not play any role during the oxidation process and, at the end of the first stage of reaction, Fe(OH)₂ oxidizes into GR1(CO₃²⁻). In the second stage of reaction, GR1(CO₃²⁻) oxidizes into α-FeOOH goethite except when the transformation of ferrous hydroxide is partial, which leads to the formation of magnetite. From the X-ray diffraction analysis of GR1(CO₃²⁻), lattice parameters of its hexagonal cell are found to be . From the Mössbauer analysis of the stoichiometric GR1(CO₃²⁻), which leads to a Fe²⁺:Fe³⁺ ratio of 2:1, the chemical formula is established to be: [Fe₄^(II)Fe₂^(III)(OH)₁₂][CO₃·2H₂O]. The 78 K Mössbauer spectrum of the compound can be fitted with three quadrupole doublets, two Fe²⁺ doublets d₁ and D₂ corresponding to isomer shifts (IS) of 1.27 and 1.28 mm s⁻¹ and quadrupole splittings (QS) of 2.93 and 2.67 mm s⁻¹, respectively, and one Fe³⁺ doublet D₃ with an IS of 0.47 mm s⁻¹ and QS of 0.43 mm s⁻¹. These three doublets were already used to fit the Mössbauer spectrum of chloride-containing GR1(Cl⁻) [see J.M.R. Génin et al., Mat. Sci. Forum8, 477 (1986) and J.M.R. Génin et al., Hyp. Int. 29, 1355 (1986)]and therefore are characteristic of GR1 compounds. From the recording of electrode potential E and the pH of the suspension versus time during the oxidation, the standard free enthalpy of formation of stoichiometric GR1(CO₃²⁻) is estimated to be ΔG °_f = − 966.250 calmol⁻¹. Knowing the chemical formula and ΔG °_f of GR1(CO₃²⁻) the Pourbaix diagram of iron in carbonate-containing aqueous solutions is drawn.     

Formation of Fe(III)-containing mackinawite from hydroxysulphate green rust by sulphate reducing bacteria

The interactions between Fe(II–III) hydroxysulphate GR() and sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) were studied. The considered SRB, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans subsp. aestuarii ATCC 29578, were added with GR() to culture media. Different conditions were envisioned, corresponding to various concentrations of bacteria, various sources of sulphate (dissolved  + GR() or GR() alone) and various atmospheres (N₂:H₂ or N₂:CO₂:H₂). In the first part of the study, CO₂ was deliberately omitted so as to avoid the formation of carbonated compounds, and GR() was the only source of sulphate. Cell concentration increases from 4 × 10⁷ to 7 × 10⁸ cells/mL in 2 weeks. The evolution with time of the iron compounds, monitored by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, showed the progressive formation of a FeS compound, the Fe(III)-containing mackinawite. This result is consistent with the association GR()/SRB/FeS observed in rust layers formed on steel in seawater. In the presence of CO₂ and additional dissolved sulphate species, a rapid growth of the bacteria could be observed, leading to the total transformation of GR() into mackinawite, found in three physico-chemical states (nanocrystalline, crystalline stoichiometric FeS and Fe(III)-containing), and siderite FeCO₃.     

Two-dimensional organic metals θ-(BETS)4MBr4(PhBr), M = Cd,Hg with differently oriented conducting layers

New bis(ethylenedithio)tetraselenafulvalene (BETS) based radical cation salts with tetrahedral dianions [CdBr₄]²⁻ and [HgBr₄]²⁻ of the (BETS)₄MBr₄(PhBr) composition were prepared by electrochemical crystallization. Room-temperature crystal structure of (BETS)₄CdBr₄(PhBr) determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction involves BETS radical cation layers of the θ-type packing and insulating layers consisting of [CdBr₄]²⁻ anions and PhBr molecules. In the neighboring conducting layers, the stacks are arranged perpendicular to each other. A metal-to-metal transition within 225–230 K range was found in both (BETS)₄CdBr₄(PhBr) and (BETS)₄HgBr₄(PhBr). The behavior of electrical resistivity of these salts differs substantially along and across conducting layers. The study of magnetoresistance of (BETS)₄HgBr₄(PhBr) revealed weak Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations in fields higher than 6 T.     

Die löslichkeitskonstanten der zinkhydroxidchloride-einbeitrag zur kenntnis der korrosionsprodukte des zinks

The solubilities of zinc hydroxychloride II and III have been studied at 25°C in solutionsof the constant ionic strength I = 0·2M. From experimental data the following values for equilibrium0842 constants are deduced: II:Zn(OH)_1,6 Cl_0,4: log[Zn²⁺] [Cl⁻]^10,4 [H⁺]^−1,6 = 8·22 ± 0,1 III: Zn(OH)_1,794 Cl_0,206: log[Zn²⁺] [Cl⁻]^0,206 [H⁺]^−1.794 = 9·84 ± 0,05. A value of K₁ = 6 ± 2 has been estimated for the equilibrium Zn²⁺ + Cl⁻ZnCl⁺. The relative stabilities of zinc hydroxychlorides and zinc hydroxides are represented with the aid of a predominance area diagram. Comparing recent data on the solubility of hydrozincite it is seen that zinc hydroxychlorides are not stable in natural waters.     

Investigation of the specific adsorption of HSO4(SO4) and Cl ions on Co and Fe by radiotracer technique in the course of corrosion of the metals in perchlorate media

The adsorption of sulphate and chloride ions on Co and Fe was studied in 0.5 mol dm⁻³ NaClO₄ supporting electrolyte at various pH values by radiotracer technique in the course of the corrosion (dissolution) of the metals. The effect of the reduction of ClO₄⁻ ions (leading to the formation of Cl⁻ ions) on the radiotracer measurements was investigated. It was found that the adsorption of chloride and sulphate ions occurs in different pH ranges. This phenomenon was explained by the assumption that the adsorption strength of the two species is very different on oxide covered and “pure” metal surfaces.     

The preparation and thermodynamic properties of Fe(II)---Fe(III) hydroxide-carbonate (green rust 1); Pourbaix diagram of iron in carbonate-containing aqueous media

Carbonate-containing green rust 1, GR1(CO₃²⁻), is prepared by oxidation of Fe(OH)₂ in aqueous solution. Ferrous hydroxide is precipitated from NaOH and FeSO₄·7H₂O solutions and carbonate ions are added as a Na₂CO₃ solution. For sufficiently large concentrations of sodium carbonate, SO₄²⁻ ions do not play any role during the oxidation process and, at the end of the first stage of reaction, Fe(OH)₂ oxidizes into GR1(CO₃²⁻). In the second stage of reaction, GR1(CO₃²⁻) oxidizes into α-FeOOH goethite except when the transformation of ferrous hydroxide is partial, which leads to the formation of magnetite. From the X-ray diffraction analysis of GR1(CO₃²⁻), lattice parameters of its hexagonal cell are found to be a = 3.160 ± 0.005 Å and C = 22.45 ± 0.05 Å. From the Mössbauer analysis of the stoichiometric GR1(CO₃²⁻), which leads to a Fe²⁺:Fe³⁺ ratio of 2:1, the chemical formula is established to be: [Fe₄^(II)Fe₂^(III)(OH)₁₂][CO₃·2H₂O]. The 78 K Mössbauer spectrum of the compound can be fitted with three quadrupole doublets, two Fe²⁺ doublets d₁ and D₂ corresponding to isomer shifts (IS) of 1.27 and 1.28 mm s⁻¹ and quadrupole splittings (QS) of 2.93 and 2.67 mm s⁻¹, respectively, and one Fe³⁺ doublet D₃ with an IS of 0.47 mm s⁻¹ and QS of 0.43 mm s⁻¹. These three doublets were already used to fit the Mössbauer spectrum of chloride-containing GR1(Cl⁻) [see J.M.R. Génin et al., Mat. Sci. Forum8, 477 (1986) and J.M.R. Génin et al., Hyp. Int. 29, 1355 (1986)]and therefore are characteristic of GR1 compounds. From the recording of electrode potential E and the pH of the suspension versus time during the oxidation, the standard free enthalpy of formation of stoichiometric GR1(CO₃²⁻) is estimated to be ΔG °_f = − 966.250 cal mol⁻¹. Knowing the chemical formula and ΔG °_f of GR1(CO₃²⁻) the Pourbaix diagram of iron in carbonate-containing aqueous solutions is drawn.