A proton NMR study on the specific sorption of yttrium(III) and europium(III) on gamma-alumina [γ-Al2O3]

► 1H NMR investigation of Eu(III) and Y(III) sorption on γ-alumina. ► Physisorbed water is not fully removed from the γ-alumina surface upon drying. ► Surface complexation of Y3+ removes a wide range of protons from the mineral surface. ► Bridging and terminal hydroxyls participate in surface complexation reactions.