XRPD investigation on the incorporation mechanisms of Tl, Pb and Zn within the structure of pyrochlores and hollandites

Pyrochlores and hollandites are minerals featuring tunnel-like cavities within which a wide variety of cations can be hosted. Preliminary experiments (XRPD and ICP-OES on residual liquid) revealed that such structures can incorporate Tl, Pb and Zn. We want to obtain accurate structural information, minimizing the absorption effects of the samples, with the purpose to investigate the incorporation mechanisms of Tl, Pb and Zn within the crystal lattice and the effects induced by the ionic exchanges on the average and local structure. Therefore, we will collect XRPD pattens using high energy radiation on both treated and untreated samples. In the perspective of using pyrochlores and hollandites for wastewater decontamination, this investigation will provide useful information on the capacity of such materials to incorporate heavy metals from aqueous matrices.