Synthesis of Libethenite through hydrothermal reactions

Abstract

The mineral Libethenite Cu2 (PO4 )(OH) was prepared through hydrothermal reaction under milder conditions than those previously reported. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and atomic absorption (AA). The crystal data were determined by X-ray crystallographic studies, which can be summarized as follows: space group Pnnm, a = 8,071(2), b = 8,403(4), c = 5,898(3) Å, V = 399 Å3 and Z = 4. Thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction studies showed that the solid is stable up to 580 oC. At higher temperatures the Libetinita decomposes in Cu4 O(PO4 )2 and water.

Keywords

• Libethenite
• copper phosphates
• hydrothermal synthesis