The adsorption characteristics of δ-manganese dioxide: a collection of diffuse double layer constants for the adsorption of H+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+

Thermodynamic data for all fate-determining processes are needed in order to predict the fate and transport of metals in natural systems. The surface complexation properties of a synthetic MnO2, δ-MnO2, have accordingly been investigated using glass electrode potentiometry. Experimental data were interpreted according to the surface complexation model in conjunction with the diffuse double layer model of the solid/solution interface. Adsorption constants were determined using the non-linear optimisation program FITEQL. Surface complexation parameters determined in this way were validated against results obtained from the literature. Best fits of alkalimetric titration data were obtained with a 2-site, 3 surface-species model of the δ-MnO2 surface. Site concentrations of 2.23×10−3 mol g−1 and 7.66×10−4 mol g−1 were obtained. Corresponding logarithms of formation constants for the postulated surface species are −1.27 (≡XO−), −5.99 (≡YO−) and 3.52 (≡YOH2+) at I=0.1 M. The surface speciation of δ-MnO2 is dominated by ≡XO− over the pH range investigated. Metal adsorption was modelled with surface species of the type ≡XOM+, ≡XOMOH, ≡YOM+, ≡YOMOH (M=Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb) and ≡XOM2OH2+ (M=Pb). For Cu, Ni and Zn, titration data could be modelled with ≡XOM+, ≡XOMOH, ≡YOM+ and ≡YOMOH, whereas for Cd, ≡XOM+ and ≡YOM+ were sufficient. Lead data were best modelled by assuming the dinuclear species ≡XOM2OH2+ to be the only surface species to form. Adsorption constants determined for Ni, Cu and Zn follow the Irving-Williams sequence. The model suggests an adsorption order of (Pb, Cu) > (Ni, Zn) > Cd. The discrepancy between model predictions and published adsorption results is similar to the variability observed in experimental results from different laboratories.