Mineralization of rare earth elements as phosphate at room temperature

Abstract

The present study elucidates the physico-chemical properties of REPO₄ and the initial processes of mineralization at room temperature. REPO₄ was classified to three groups, and the structure of stable phase can vary depending on the experimental parameter. Light RE³⁺ were preferentially distributed with tetrad effects into nano-crystalline with some heterogeneity in composition. Consequently, nano-scale mineralization of REPO₄ can constrain the behavior of RE³⁺ in sub-surface environment.