Transformation from δ-FeOOH to hematite in the presence of trace Fe(II)

δ-FeOOH, a poorly crystalline iron oxyhydroxide, can transform to the more stable iron oxyhydroxide or oxide. In the present work, the transformation from δ-FeOOH to goethite and hematite in the presence of trace Fe(II) has been investigated. The results show that Fe(II) can catalyze this transformation of δ-FeOOH. Based on experimental results and literature data, it is confirmed that two transformation mechanisms exist in the current system. One is the catalytic dissolution of δ-FeOOH, which leads to the formation of both hematite and goethite. The other is the catalytic solid-state transformation from δ-FeOOH to hematite. Which mechanism predominates depends on the temperature, pH, heating rate, etc. The results reveal that high temperatures (in the range from room temperature (RT) to 100 °C) favor the solid-state transformation as well as the formation of hematite. Given the structural relationships observed between δ-FeOOH and hematite, it is possible that the solid-state transformation from δ-FeOOH to hematite can exist.