Surface complex characteristics of synthetic maghemite and hematite in aqueous suspensions

The acid-base properties of the maghemite (γ-Fe2O3)/water and hematite (α-Fe2O3)/water interfaces have been studied by means of high precision potentiometric titrations and the experimental results are evaluated as surface complexation reactions. Synthetic maghemite and hematite were prepared and characterized using a combination of SEM, FT-IR and XRD. The specific surface area of the minerals was determined by the BET method. The titrations were performed at 25.0±0.2°C within the range 2.8