Kinetics and mechanism of gold dissolution in thiourea solutions: Effect of sulfide ions

Chronoamperograms for gold in solutions containing 0.1 M thiourea, 0.5 M H₂SO₄, and catalytically active sulfide ions at the concentration c ₁ from 1 × 10^?5 to 4 × 10^?5 M are obtained at different potentials with the aid of an automated setup intended for renewing the electrode surface directly in the solution by cutting off a thin surface layer of the metal. It is shown that the results of measurements of the current practically coincide at a constant value of the product c ₁ t, where t is the time period elapsed after the renewal of the electrode surface. Such a coincidence testifies to a diffusion nature of processes that hamper accumulation of sulfide ions at the gold surface. This fact permitted the use of a procedure developed previously for the calculation of polarization curves at constant values of surface coverage θ by catalytically active ions. At θ = const, the voltammetric curves for gold in sulfide-containing thiourea solutions are shown to correspond to the Tafel equation. With the surface coverage increasing, the effective values of the exchange current i ₀, transfer coefficient α, and anodic reaction order with respect to thiourea P _a increase from the values i }~ 10^?5 A cm^?2, α }~ 0.12, and P _a = 0.2, which are characteristic of pure solutions, to 2 × 10^?4 A cm^?2, α }~ 0.5, and P _a = 1.1 (at θ }~ 0.5). An interpretation to the established regularities is given.     

Black crusts and patinas on Pentelic marble from the Parthenon and Erechtheum (Acropolis, Athens): characterization and origin

This study describes an analytical approach for the characterization and origin of the encrustation formed on the surface of monuments from the Acropolis in Athens. The morphology of encrustation was investigated by optical and scanning electronic microscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS) identify and quantify the key elements and compounds associated with the genesis of encrustation. Black crusts (>200 μm thick), consisting of gypsum, calcite and elements such as Si, Al, Fe, Pb, Ti, Zn and Mn, were being formed from interaction between the marble surface and atmospheric pollutants. Orange-brown accretions on the Parthenon, called patinas (∼150 μm thick), comprise calcite, calcium oxalates, low amount of S, and both in the inner and outer parts significant and almost constant amounts of Si, P and Fe; P and Fe identified as hydroxyapatite and hematite, respectively. In the Parthenon patinas, the EDS distribution maps of Si, Fe and P indicate an origin that may be attributed to the residue and transformation of ancient treatments rich in these elements. Patinas from the Erechtheum (∼100 μm thick) resemble plasters consisting of calcite, siliceous sand, hydroxyapatite, calcium oxalates and hematite. EDXRF highlighted the presence of Pb in the patinas from the Erechtheum; FTIR revealed that Pb is in the form of cerussite most probably from the use of attic ochre. The patinas from the Parthenon and Erechtheum, as opposed to black crusts, are associated with the best-preserved surfaces and should remain intact during conservation interventions.     

The interaction of diphosphonates with calcitic surfaces: understanding the inhibition activity in marble dissolution

The rates of dissolution of calcitic Carrara marble have been reported to be significantly reduced in alkaline pH (pH 8.25) at 25 degrees C in the presence of (1-hydroxyethylidene)-1,1 diphosphonic acid (HEDP). The adsorption takes place at the calcite/water interface at the double layer through the interaction of charged surface species with the charged solution species of the adsorbate. The present work focused on obtaining a better understanding of the interaction of the calcite surface with HEDP. Calculations were performed according to the triple layer model, assuming the formation of surface complexes between the charged surface species of calcite and the species of HEDP dominant at pH 8.25. According to the model, the adsorbed species are located at the inner Helmholtz plane of the electrical double layer. Strong lateral interactions between the adsorbed species were suggested and were corroborated from the calculation of the respective energy, which was equal to 69 kJ mol(-1). The adsorption isotherm was consistent with the proposed model at low surface coverage values, while discrepancies between the values experimentally measured and the predicted were found at higher adsorbate concentrations. The deviations from the predicted values were attributed to the fact that HEDP adsorption on calcite resulted in the formation of multiple layers. The model explained adequately the changes in the zeta-potential values of calcite in the presence of HEDP in the solution which resulted in charge reversal upon adsorption.     

Kinetics of surfactant dissolution

While the equilibrium phase behaviour of surfactants has received much attention, kinetic phenomena such as those associated with surfactant dissolution have been relatively neglected. We review recent work which is relevant to this field, which includes experiments and simulation of nucleation and growth in surfactant systems, information on self and collective diffusion processes, and work on interfacial instabilities such as myelins. Kinetic maps and the concept of the free energy landscape provide a useful approach to rationalise some of the more complex behaviour sometimes observed.     

Studies on recrystallised aluminium mono-hydroxide precipitates. Kinetics of dissolution by sodium hydroxide solutions

Summary Boehmite powders were prepared by controlled hydrolysis of aluminium isopropoxide solution and recrystallisation in hot water; these were cylinders (fibres) of lengths (I ₀) = 0.06 to 0.10m. The dissolution of dilute suspensions of these powders in well-stirred sodium hydroxide solutions was studied at 35 ° to 65 °C. Reaction solid and solution were analysed after different times by chemical and physical methods.Reaction occurred by three-directional dissolution of the cylinders: the reactions of the first (non-aggregated) thirty percent material were four-third order w. r. t. powder weight (and second order w. r. t. powder surface area). The initial rate constantsk _wi (g^– hr^–1) for reactions with sodium hydroxide of unit mean ionic activity at 20 °C varied from 0.012 to 0.040. Rate constants increased linearly with the mean ionic activity of the hydroxide solution and exponentially with reciprocal temperature, five-six times for 15 °C temperature rise. Energies of activation varied from 115–125 kJ mole^–1.

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Zusammenfassung Boehmit-Pulver wurden durch kontrollierte Hydrolyse von Aluminiumisopropoxid-Lösungen hergestellt und in heißem Wasser rekristallisiert. Die Kristalle bildeten Zylinder (Fasern) mit einer Länge von 0,06–0,10m. Die Auflösung dieser Präparate in verdünnten Suspensionen in Natriumhydroxidlösungen wurde bei 35–65 °C untersucht. Festkörper und Lösung wurden nach vorgegebenen Zeiten analysiert.Die Lösung erfolgt in einer 3dimensionalen Reaktion der Zylinder. Die Anfangsgeschwindigkeitskonstanten für Reaktionen mit Natriumhydroxidlösungen bei 20 °C variierte von 0,012 bis 0,040 (g^– h^–1). Die Geschwindigkeitskonstanten steigen linear mit der Ionenaktivität der Hydroxidlösungen und exponentiell mit der reziproken Temperatur. Aktivierungsenergien liegen zwischen 115 und 125 kJ mol^–1.

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With 3 figures and 1 table     

Kinetics of bayerite microstructure formation from powdered aluminum

Electron microscopy is employed to study the kinetics of bayerite microstructure formation during the hydration hardening of powdered aluminum at 373 K. It is shown that the formation of splices between Al(OH)₃ crystallites is governed by the diffusion of aluminum hydroxocomplexes through growing porous bayerite layers. Adsorption and textural properties of dehydrated materials are investigated.     

Kinetics of gold dissolution in thiosulfate electrolytes

The kinetics of gold dissolution in solutions containing Na₂S₂O₃ with the concentration c from 0.025 to 0.2 M and different supporting electrolytes is studied by the voltammetric method on renewable electrodes and the quartz crystal microbalance. It is shown that in the range from the steady-state potential to E = 0.3 V (from hereon, the potentials are related to the normal hydrogen electrode), the polarization curves are well approximated by straight lines in semilogarithmic coordinates. The exchange currents i ₀ and the transfer coefficients α are calculated. It is shown that for c = 0.025 M, the values of i ₀ and α are about 4 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm² and 0.2. With the increase in the Na₂S₂O₃ concentration, the exchange current increases weakly and the transfer coefficient remains virtually unchanged. The reaction order of gold dissolution with respect to ligand is calculated to have the value p = $ \left( {\frac{{\partial logi_a }} {{\partial logc}}} \right)_E $ \left( {\frac{{\partial logi_a }} {{\partial logc}}} \right)_E = 0.25 which is independent of E. With the changeover of supporting electrolyte, the exchange current increases in the following sequence: Li⁺ < Na⁺ < K⁺, but α and p remains unchanged. Data in thiosulfate solutions is compared with analogous data obtained earlier for the gold dissolution processes in cyanide and thiocarbamide electrolytes in which complexes of the similar structure were also formed. In electrolytes under comparison, the kinetics of gold dissolution is shown to exhibit common features.     

Kinetics of the dissolution of copper metal in aqueous solutions containing unsaturated organic ligands and copper(II)

The kinetics of the dissolution of copper metal in an aqueous solution containing copper(II) and an unsaturated organic ligand was followed by using an automated flow-injection analysis technique to determine the concentration of copper(I) in solution as a function of time. The results suggest that the rate of dissolution of the copper metal is dependent on electron transfer between the copper(II) and copper atoms on the surface of the copper metal, and on the stabilization of copper(I) by the unsaturated organic ligand in solution.     

Kinetics of mechanochemical dissolution of chromium in iron

The kinetics of solid Fe–Cr solution formation has been studied during mechanical alloying of Fe and Cr powders taken in an atomic ratio of 80: 20. X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy data have been analyzed within the framework of the energetic approach. It has been established that, in this system, reaction product yield N is related to mechanical energy dose D and specific surface area S of Fe nanograin boundaries in an ideal manner: N ~ D² at S ~ D and N ~ D at S = const.     

Kinetics of silver anodic dissolution in thiosulfate electrolytes

The regularities of silver anodic dissolution are studied by using the voltammetry (at the potential scan rates from 5 to 1000 mV/s) on the electrode, which was renewed immediately in the solution by cutting-off a thin surface metal layer, and quartz microgravimetry, for various concentrations of sodium thiosulfate (0.05–0.2 M). It is shown that, in the potential range from 0 to 0.4 V (normal hydrogen electrode), the polarization curves reflect the silver dissolution, whereas the contribution of oxidation of S₂O₃²⁻ ions is insignificant. At low potential scan rates, the process kinetics is of mixed nature. The kinetics and mechanism of anodic process are studied by using the measurements at high potential scan rates (100–200 mV/s) and the calculations of equilibrium composition of near-electrode layer. It is found that the exchange current in the electrolytes studied is 5 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm², the transfer coefficient α is approximately 0.5, and both parameters are virtually independent of the concentration of S₂O₃²⁻ ions. The reaction order of silver dissolution with respect to the ligand $ \left. {\frac{{\partial logi}} {{\partial logc}}} \right|_E $ \left. {\frac{{\partial logi}} {{\partial logc}}} \right|_E is close to unity and is independent of potential. With regard for the literature data on the adsorption of thiosulfate ions on silver, this result is interpreted as the evidence for the involvement of one S₂O₃²⁻ ion from bulk solution, along with adsorbed ligands, in the elementary act of metal dissolution.     

Thermodynamics of ferrocene dissolution in water-methanol solutions

The polythermal solubility of ferrocene in water-methanol solutions in a wide range of their compositions was studied. Ferrocene solubility grows as temperature and methanol content increase. Thermodynamic functions of ferrocene transfer from water into water-methanol solutions were calculated. The results obtained were compared with the data on neon solubility in the same solvent.     

Flotation-separation of aluminum from some water samples using powdered marble waste and oleic acid.

Bench-scale experiments were conducted in the laboratory, aiming to remove aluminum from water. They were based on the use of powdered marble wastes (PMW), which are inexpensive and produced in large quantity, and thus potentially cause environmental problems, as an effective inorganic sorbent and oleic acid (HOL) as surfactant. The main parameters (solution pHs, sorbent, surfactant and aluminum concentrations, shaking time, ionic strength and the presence of foreign ions) that influence the sorptive-flotation process were examined. Good results were obtained under the optimum conditions, for which nearly 100% of aluminum at pH 7 and at room temperature (approximately 25 degrees C) was removed. The procedure was successfully applied to the recovery of aluminum spiked to some natural water samples. Moreover, a sorption and flotation mechanism is suggested.     

Chemical dissolution of iron in aqueous solutions

By anodic oxidation of hydrogen on the Pt ring of a metal-disk-Pt-ring rotating electrode in aqueous acid (pH 0.5–3) sulfate solutions, it is shown that during the polarization of the metal disk hydrogen coevolves by two parallel reactions. One is the well known electrochemical charge transfer process, while the other one is a direct chemical reaction of the metal, i.e. iron, with water molecules from the electrolyte. This process was proposed a long time ago by Kolotyrkin and co-workers, but their experimental results were subjected to serious criticism which is taken care of in the present paper. The chemical reaction is potential- and pH-independent and, depending on the actual conditions during the corrosion processes (actual potential, pH, etc.), can be of greater or smaller importance in the overall process. The consequences of the existence of this direct chemical reaction of metal with water molecules (i.e. H₂O-induced corrosion or chemical corrosion) on pitting and stress corrosion cracking of metals is discussed. Dedicated to the ninetieth anniversary of Ya.M. Kolotyrkin’s birth. This article was submitted by the authors in English.     

Electrochemical dissolution of magnetite in acid solutions

The present paper deals with the electrochemical behavior of magnetite microcrystals in an acid medium. A voltammetric method employing a carbon-paste electroactive electrode (CPEE) with an organic binder was used. It was found that the cathodic voltammograms, which were recorded at different scan rates, formed a set bounded in the space of i–E parameters by a generalizing voltammetric curve corresponding to the effective potential scan rate _eff. In other words, all curves are situated under one enveloping curve, just as the smaller dolls sit in the largest doll of a Russian doll. Reverse currents (a cathodic current in the anodic direction of the potential scan) were observed on the cyclic voltammogram. Forward and reverse currents obey the same laws and have one and the same generalizing curve, which could be taken as the magnetite characteristic.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the anodic dissolution of gold in solutions of 1,5-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane and its precursors

Studies of the electrochemical behavior of hexahydropyrimidine, 1,5-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, and 1,3-diaminopropane on a gold electrode via cyclic voltammetry allow us to conclude that gold anodes are subject to corrosion in presence these compounds, yielding complexes that migrate into the solutions and discharge on the counter electrode, producing gold metal deposit. 1,5-Diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane is found to form complexes with gold that are much more stable that those formed by hexahydropyrimidine and 1,3-diaminopropane.     

Cellulose dissolution in aqueous lithium bromide solutions

A new all-aqueous process of the dissolution/regeneration of cellulose was developed. Cellulose was completely dissolved in the 54–60 wt% lithium bromide aqueous solutions in the temperature range of 110–130 °C within a dissolution time of 1 h. Then, the cellulose was directly regenerated from the solution by cooling down to approximately 70 °C and removing the salts with water, yielding a translucent gel. The cellulose gel was not significantly chemically decomposed even though some decrease of the degree of polymerization occurred during the dissolution/regeneration of cellulose. The X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the dissolution/regeneration of cellulose induced a crystalline structural change from cellulose I to cellulose II, confirming the complete loss of the original cellulose structure. The cellulose gel had highly porous three-dimensional networks composed of fairly long cellulose fibrils interconnected with one another. The dissolution/regeneration of cellulose in aqueous lithium bromide solutions offers new and important options for cellulose-based materials.     

Kinetics of silver dissolution in sulfide containing thiocarbamide electrolytes

Effective values of reaction order with respect to ligand P, transfer coefficient α, and exchange current i ₀ at constant silver surface coverages θ by sulfide ions are measured. The employed solutions contained from 0.4 to 0.05 M thiocarbamide, 0.5 M HClO₄, 10^?4 M AgNO₃, and from 10^?5 to 10^?4 M Na₂S. It is shown that the exchange current grows approximately linearly from 10^?5 to 1.5 × 10^?4 A/cm² at θ increase in the range from zero to 0.8, while α and P values grow negligibly in the ranges of 0.4–0.45 and 0.9–1.1, accordingly. The obtained results are compared with the data of similar studies of the gold behavior in acidic thiocarbamide solutions. The possible reasons for the different effects of sulfide ion chemisorption on the anodic dissolution of gold and silver in the studied solutions are discussed.     

On the dissolution state of cellulose in cold alkali solutions

We have characterized the dissolved state of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in cold alkali [2.0 M NaOH(aq)] solutions using a combination of small angle X-ray (SAXS) and static light scattering (SLS), \(^1\)H NMR, NMR self-diffusion, and rheology experiments. NMR and SAXS data demonstrate that the cellulose is fully molecularly dissolved. SLS, however, shows the presence of large concentration fluctuations in the solution, consistent with significant attractive cellulose-cellulose interactions. The scattering data are consistent with fractal cellulose aggregates of micrometre size having a mass fractal dimension \(D\sim 1.5\). At 25\(\,^{\circ }\mathrm {C}\) the solution structure remains unchanged on the time scale of weeks. However, upon heating the solutions above 35\(\,^{\circ }\mathrm {C}\) additional aggregation occurs on the time scale of minutes. Decreasing or increasing the NaOH concentration away from the “optimum” 2 M also leads to additional aggregation. This is seen as an increase of the SAXS intensity at lower q values. Addition of urea (1.8 and 3.6 M, respectively) does not significantly influence the solution structure. With these examples, we will discuss how scattering methods can be used to assess the quality of solvents for cellulose.     

Regularities of gold anodic dissolution in thiocarbamide solutions

It is shown that the gold dissolution in thiocarbamide electrolytes containing sulfide ions in the pH range from 1 to 4 proceeds with a current efficiently of almost 100%, and a change in solution acidity has a weak effect on the process. The oxidation of thiocarbamide to formamidine disulfide proceeds at the potentials around 1.1 V and depends on the pH of solution. When the pH value is raised, the thiocarbamide oxidation potential shifts in the negative direction and approaches the potential of gold dissolution. It is found that, in the absence of catalytically active species, the gold dissolution rate in thiocarbamide solutions in the pH range from 6 to 10 is vary low. At these pH values, as well as in the acidic solutions, an addition of less than 10⁻⁴ M sulfide ions to thiocarbamide electrolyte accelerates the gold dissolution at the potentials about 0.6 V. It is shown that sulfide ions in the concentration above 10⁻⁴ M inhibit the process. At pH 11, the gold dissolution proceeds also with no special addition of sulfide ions. This is associated with the formation of sulfide ions as a result of accelerated decomposition of thiocarbamide and formamidine disulfide with increasing pH value. It is found that in the pH range from 12 to 13, the processes of gold dissolution and thiocarbamide oxidation are inhibited as a result of the formation of passive film on the electrode surface. Probably, the film consists of elemental sulfur.