Kinetics of montmorillonite dissolution in granitic solutions

Experiments measuring smectite dissolution rates in granitic solutions were carried out in a semi-batch reactor at 20, 40, and 60 degreesC. The pH conditions of the solutions range from 7.6 to 8.5. Solid samples were confined within a dialysis membrane and introduced in the solution. The solution was renewed every 7 days and the dissolution reaction was investigated by the variation of Si concentration in the solutions. The average rates at pH similar to8 were 10(-14.13), 10(-13.70), and 10(-13.46) mol m(-2) s(-1), at 20, 40, and 60 degreesC, respectively, and the activation energy for the dissolution reaction at pH similar to8 was 30.5+/-1.3 kJ mol(-1). Comparison of the present results with other studies reveals that the montmorillonite dissolution rate depends strongly on the pH of the solution, with a minimum value at pH 8-8.5. At room temperature, the dissolution rate was found to be linearly dependent on proton (acidic conditions) or hydroxyl (basic conditions) activity in solution: Rate = 10(-11.39)a(H+)(0.34) pH < 8 Rate = 10(-12.31)a(OH-)(0.34) pH > 8.5 The comprehension of the dissolution mechanism can be improved by using surface complexation theory. Correlation between speciation of surface sites and kinetic results indicated that at room temperature the dissolution rate was directly proportional to the surface concentration of >AlOH2+ and >AlO- surface complexes, under acidic or alkaline conditions, respectively. Rate = 10(-8.0){>AlOH2+} pH < 8 Rate = 10(-8.2){>AlO-} pH > 8.5 A multiple variable model is proposed to take into account simultaneously the effect of pH on dissolution rates and on activation energy. The rates estimated using the model are in good agreement with experimental dissolution rates. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.