[Surface properties and adsorption characteristics for fluoride of goethite, kaolinite and their association]

The basic properties of goethite, kaolinite and their association were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) , scanning electron microscopes (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), potentiometric titrations, specific surface area (SSA) and micropore analysis. Moreover, the adsorption capacity and adsorption models of fluoride by the investigated samples were studied. Results show that when kaolinite and goethite presented simultaneously in the same suspension system, goethite was apt to coat the surface of kaolinite and the interactions between them could occur rapidly. As a result, the binary association containing kaolinite and goethite was formed. The binary association possessed the pore diameter of 0.42 nm and 0.61 nm, specific surface area of 34.08 m2/g, surface fractal dimension of D = 2.726 and the pH(PZNPC) (pH of point of zero net proton charge) in the range of 5.50-6.50. At the initial pH 6. 00, the maximum adsorption capacity (q(max) of goethite, kaolinite and association was 4.506, 0.608 and 3.520 mg/g respectively. The adsorption of fluoride by the single kaolinite or goethite could be attributed to monolayer adsorption and the data of isotherm adsorption could be well fitted by Langmuir model (R2 = 0.991 and R2 = 0.964 respectively). The Freundlich model was suitable for describing the adsorption of fluoride by the binary association (R2 = 0.995), which indicated that the surface of the binary association is heterogeneous and is probably provided with multilayer adsorption sites. The adsorption mechanisms for fluoride by the investigated samples include anion ligand exchange, surface coordination and electrostatic attraction. In addition, F acting as a bond bridge between the surfaces of kaolinite and goethite contributed to the adsorption of fluoride too. Compared to the single goethite or kaolinite, the binary association exhibited the higher specific surface area, surface fractal dimension and adsorption capacity for fluoride as well as the lower amount of hydroxyls and net proton charges on it's surface, although no significant variation was found in the porosity structure of the association.