Mineral Surfaces

This advanced text provides an overview of the rapidly developing field of mineral surface science. Each chapter, written by acknowledged experts, comprises a completely up-to-date review of an aspect of the investigation into the character and reaction of mineral surfaces. Theoretical concepts and experimental techniques are explained and illustrated, and the present-day status of the science is revealed. These chapters aim to introduce the topic covered, as well as provide a detailed insight into the current developments in the study of mineral surfaces. The surfaces of minerals can now be studied at the molecular level, enabling understanding of the fundamentals of phenomena such as: the breakdown of minerals; sorption of species including metals on minerals surface; and the role of minerals as catalysts. Such phenomena are central to an understanding of many processes taking place at the surface of the Earth, whether natural or resulting from human activity. They are also central to many industrial processes in the fields of mineral extraction and industrial mineral chemistry. This book should be of interest to advanced undergraduates and postgraduates in mineralogy, soil science, catalysis and solid state chemistry, and materials science; and technologists in the minerals industry chemical industry and environmental industry.