Fluorination of alumino-silicate minerals: The example of lepidolite

The effect of fluorination on silicate and alumino-silicate minerals has been investigated, in particular on the lepidolite [K(Li,Al)3 [Si3AlO10] (F,OH)2] of the mica-type. The fluorination techniques included direct F2-gas and cold radio-frequency-plasma involving c-C4F8 or O2/CF4 mixtures. The modifications of the surface properties have been followed mostly by XPS. Depending of the fluorination route used, either a reactive etching process involving M–F bonding occurs (direct F2-gas; O2–CF4 rf-plasma), or a carbon fluoride deposition takes place (c-C4F8 rf-plasma).