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EPR studies of Cu sorption on clay minerals


EMSL Project ID
2206

Abstract

Three clay minerals with unique sorption properties have been equilibrated with Cu solutions at concentrations below where aqueous or solid phase complexes are expected. We will monitor the EPR signal of the Cu-clay complexes to determine the molecular structure of the sorbed complexes. We predict that clay minerals enhance multinuclear complexation. These experiments will provide evidence that this occurs, and insights into what clay mineral properties are responsible for this enhancement. The clay minerals used in this study are kaolinite, vermiculite, and montmorillonite. The samples will be moist paste and loaded into the EPR sample cells. The EPR spectra will be compared to reference standards to interpret the molecular species of Cu present on the surface.

Project Details

Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2002-05-20
End Date
2004-06-04
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Daniel Strawn
Institution
University of Idaho