Thermodynamic properties of Fe-rich smectite-nontronite

The results of thermochemical studies are reported for nontronite samples from the Pinares-de-Majari (Eastern Cuba) (Sample I) and Kempirsai serpentine massif (South Urals, Kazakhstan) (Sample II). The enthalpies of formation of dehydrated hydroxyl-bearing nontronites from elements were determined by melt dissolution calorimetry using high-temperature heat-flux Tiana-Calvet microcalorimeter: Δ f H el o (298.15 K): −4958 ± 13 kJ/mol for Mg0.4(Fe 1.5 3+ Mg0.4Ni0.1)[Si3.7Al0.3O10](OH)2 (I) and −5003.6 ± 8.0 kJ/mol for Mg0.3Na0.1Ca0.1(Fe 1.4 3+ Mg0.5Ni0.1)[Si3.7Al0.3O10](OH)2 (II). It was determined experimentally that the enthalpy of dehydration (removal of molecular adsorption and interlayer water) of the studied nontronites is 6 ± 2 kJ per 1 mole H2O. The enthalpy of formation of nontronite of theoretical composition Mg0.15Fe 2 3+ [Si3.7Al0.3]O10(OH)2 was estimated at −4750 kJ/mol. The Gibbs free energies of formation of the nontronites were calculated.