Electrochemical Dissolution of Goethite by Abrasive Stripping Voltammetry

Abstract

Abrasive stripping voltammetry was applied to the investigation of the reductive dissolution of some iron(III) oxides and hydroxy-oxides, particularly goethite (α-FeOOH), in acid media. The electrode reaction directly involves the solid phase, and the reaction pathway depends on the phase composition and particle shape. This can be used for a qualitative and quantitative characterization of goethite. The results of a quantitative analysis of a mixture of goethite (α-FeOOH) and lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) are compared with those of IR and Moessbauer spectroscopic examination. The effects of the particle appearance (shape, crystal intergrowth) on the results of the voltammetric and chronoamperometric measurements are discussed.