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Ca2+ Ions Decrease Adhesion between Two (104) Calcite Surfaces as Probed by Atomic Force Microscopy
Joanna Dziadkowiec1, Matea Ban2, Shaghayegh Javadi1
1NJORD Centre, Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo 0371, Norway.
ACS Earth & Space Chemistry
|October 29, 2021
Summary
Calcium ions reduce adhesion between calcite surfaces, potentially leading to rock fracturing. This finding impacts understanding of mineral cohesion and geological processes like pore sealing or fracturing in granular rocks.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Mineral Physics
- Surface Science
Background:
- Disjoining pressure influences mineral cohesion and fluid transport in rocks.
- Understanding inorganic ion effects on calcite surface forces is incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how Ca2+ concentration affects disjoining pressure between calcite surfaces.
- Quantify adhesion forces between calcite surfaces in varying ionic solutions.
Main Methods:
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) used to measure adhesion forces.
- Utilized cleaved (104) calcite surfaces in controlled solutions.
Main Results:
- Low adhesion detected between calcite surfaces, minimally affected by Ca2+ concentration.
- More hydrated Ca2+ ions reduced adhesion compared to Na+ at equal ionic strength.
- Ca2+ sustains thicker water films between calcite grains, even under pressure.
Conclusions:
- Strongly hydrated ions like Ca2+ can decrease cohesion in weakly charged minerals.
- This mechanism may promote reaction-induced fracturing or influence pore sealing in geological settings.
