Hematites were synthesized with different degrees of isomorphic substitution (IS) of Fe for Al to a maximum of 16Almol%.The minerals were characterized by X-ray diffraction, total chemical analysis, extraction of iron and aluminum soluble in ammonium acid oxalate (Fe o+Al o), determination of the anion exchange capacity (AEC) and specific surface area (SSA).The results showed that the synthesis methods resulted in a minimum amount of impurities and that, in a general way, the foreseen values of isomorphic substitution were achieved.The SSA values were relatively low for the hematites with up to 10% of Al, and elevated for the hematites with 13 and 16% of Al of isomorphic substitution. A good correlation was observed between the SSA and the AEC with the amounts of Fe and Al, soluble in ammonium acid oxalate (Fe o+Al o).
specific surface area; AEC; XRD; iron oxides