Redox Behavior of Secondary Solid Iron Species and the Corresponding Effects on Hydroxyl Radical Generation during the Pyrite Oxidation Process

During the pyrite oxidation process, aqueous ferrous/ferric ions (Fe2+/Fe3+), as well as surface-adsorbed Fe2+/Fe3+, have been widely recognized to dominate hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation, while this study reveals that the secondary solid iron species also play non-negligible roles. Based on the different forms and the presence of sites, the secondary solid iron species were classified as Fecoat (iron-containing coating on the pyrite surface) and Fedep (ex situ-deposited iron (oxyhydr)oxide that is not in contact with pyrite). Instead of participating in building a stubborn passivation layer on the pyrite surface, Fecoat is easy to fall off from the pyrite surface as the oxidation of pyrite deepens, while large fractions of Fedep and Fecoat are found to be extractable with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). Achieved by cyclically oxidizing pyrite within different NTA levels (0/0.1/10 mM), Fecoat and Fedep were proved to have distinct redox behavior during the pyrite oxidation process. Amorphous Fedep, originated from the hydrolyzation of dissolved Fe3+, accelerates the nonradical decay of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); as a result, the accumulation of Fedep always decreases the •OH production during the pyrite oxidation process. However, part of Fedep adsorbs on the pyrite surface through electrostatic attraction and converts into Fecoat. The electron conduction between Fecoat and pyrite was verified, which accelerates the oxidative dissolution of pyrite, produces reactive Fe(II), and therefore favors •OH generation. This study improves our understanding of the redox behavior of pyrite in complex media such as natural processes and practical engineering systems.