Effects of Co doping on the structure and physicochemical properties of hausmannite (Mn3O4) and its transformation during aging

Hausmannite is a common low-valence manganese oxide mineral with a distorted spinel structure in surficial sediments. Although natural Mn oxides often contain various transition metal (TM) impurities, few studies have addressed the substitution mechanisms of TMs, such as cobalt (Co), with hausmannite and induced changes in the mineral physicochemical properties. In this study, Co-doped hausmannites with final Co/Mn molar ratios of 0.05 and 0.11 were synthesized and characterized by wet chemical analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectra (FTIR), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS). Co-doped samples have larger crystallite sizes and smaller specific surface areas than those of the hausmannite without Co. The Co cations exist in a mixed-valence of +3 and + 2. Powder XRD and acid dissolution experiments indicate that Co incorporates into the mineral structures, and increases the mineral structural stability. Co K-edge extended X-ray adsorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis demonstrates that Co likely substitutes for lattice Mn(III). After aging at mom temperature for three years, 14.1 +/- 1.9% of pure hausmannite is transformed to manganite while only 2.6 +/- 0.7% of manganite appears in the aged Co-doped sample with an initial Co/Mn molar ratio of 0.10. These results provide new insights into the incorporation mechanisms of TMs into low valence Mn oxides, and the stability of these minerals in natural environments.

Automated summary

In this study, Co-doped hausmannites were synthesized and characterized to investigate the substitution mechanisms of Co in low valence Mn oxides. The results showed that Co insertion into the mineral structure increased its stability, with Co cations existing in a mixed valence of +3 and +2.