Initial dissolution kinetics of ionic oxides

Abstract

It is shown th at factors previously recognized, but not regarded as critical, can dominate dissolution kinetics of ionic oxides. The use of the nearly perfect {100} MgO surfaces of smoke cubes to obtain very precise values of dissolution rates per unit surface area, in dilute HC1, HC1O 4 and HNO 3 , has shown th at rates extrapolated to zero dissolution are almost independent of pH in the range 2.0- 3.5. Dissolution rates were measured by monitoring solution pH as a function of time. This revealed increasing rates with increasing pH up to about 5 % total dissolution, followed ultimately by a return to the linear relation between Ig(rate) and pH (slope ca. — 0.5) normally expected. The initial increase in rate is due to increasing [Mg 2+ ] in solution and is observed with [Mg 2+ ] as low as 1 % of the [H + ]. A linear relation between lg(rate) and [Mg 2+ ] is found during the early stages of dissolution. Other cations (Al 3 +, Na + ) also increase the initial rate, to a similar extent. Electron-microscope observations of the cubes show alteration of the surfaces to a castellated structure (of {100}-based projections and intrusions) on wetting before dissolution, and the development of facets having an average (110}-natureduring dissolution. The results are in conflict with current theoretical models, and a qualitative account of the mechanism of the establishment of a ‘ stable ’ solution double layer is given.