Voltammetry of microparticles in the differentiation of iron oxides and oxihydroxides.

Abstract

In order to develop capacities which would make pos sible the voltammetry of microparticles to be applied in the characterization of natural iron oxides and oxihydroxides, a serie of measurements were performed on synthetic magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (aFe2O3) and goethita (aFeO.OH). To test the capability of the methodology known natural iron minerals and sedimentary rocks containing unknown iron minerals have also been included in the present contribution. The electrochemical analyses were carried out at RT and after heating in order to estimate the potential of the method for detection of phase changes. The reliability of the method was checked by applying complementary technologies as optic microscopy, Rx diffractometry and magnetic susceptibility at low temperature. The results obtained indicate that the method and technical recourses applied are suitable ones for making a differentiation of iron oxides and oxihydroxides. The sensibility of the voltammetry of microparticles is higher for differentiation of less magnetic compounds such as hematite and goethite than for ferrimagnetic minerals such as magnetite. This technique is an appropriated method for environmental studies and can be related with other techniques applied in environmental magnetism.