 |
Spectroscopic and Isotopic Studies of Hydrothermal Solutions
Ultraviolet and visible spectroscopic studies of ionisation and metal complex equilibria
are being measured up to 450°C and 1500 bar. These data are required to
understand geochemical processes occurring in the earth's crust. Data on the first
ionisation constant of hydrogen sulphide up to near the critical point of water has recently
been obtained and these measurements will be extended to higher pressures. Studies of
chloride complexing with copper(I), tin(II) and thallium(I) are also in progress. X-ray
absorption (EXAFS) spectroscopic studies of high temperature aqueous solutions are
also underway and have yielded information on the solvation of ions and ion pairing in
hydrothermal fluids. Oxygen and hydrogen isotope fraction between hydration shell water
and bulk solvent are also being measured in electrolyte solutions at high temperatures
and pressures. These experiments are being complemented by molecular dynamic and
ab initio calculations.
This page last updated on