X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy study of Eu(III) sorption products onto amorphous silica and γ-alumina: Effect of pH and substrate

► Sharper sorption edge of Eu(III) onto γ-alumina than that onto amorphous silica. ► XAFS spectra delineated near neighbour shells beyond the first in sorption products. ► Absence of Eu(OH)3 on surfaces in conditions amenable to hydroxide precipitation. ► Similar sorption products on both the surfaces but different in their formation. ► Eu prefers corner and edge sharing binding on silica and alumina, respectively.