Insights from XAS, FTIR, and PHREEQC into Mono- and Poly-vanadate (V(V)O₄^3-) Adsorption to Hematite

Vanadium (V) is a widespread trace element in the environment. At high concentration, due to anthropogenic emission such as mining activities and fossil fuels, it can be toxic to marine systems and terrestrial plants. However, the geochemical behaviour of V remains poorly understood. Here, this study aimed to understand the molecular scale V speciation, adsorption behaviour and bonding mechanisms of V(V) onto hematite as a function of geochemical factors (pH, ionic strength, and V(V) concentration), applying a multi-technique approach comprising aqueous chemical analysis and XAS supported by ATR-FTIR and PHREEQC geochemical speciation calculations. From these data, tetrahedral monovanadate formed a corner-sharing bidentate surface complex at 1.20 mM V(V) and pH 9 and 0.12 mM V(V) at all pH, while octahedral decavanadate formed at a V(V) concentration of 1.20 mM and pH < 7. The dominant coordination environment changed gradually from a mixture of octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated V at pH 3 to tetrahedral monovanadate at pH 9. These results demonstrate the marked effects of pH and initial V concentration on V(V) speciation at hematite surfaces, in turn affording predictions of the environmental behaviour of heavy metals released during a variety of anthropogenic activities (e.g. mining) across a range of geochemical conditions. It is envisioned these results will contribute to strategies for the treatment of lands contaminated with heavy metals predominantly through adsorption processes (e.g. mine sites).