Equilibrium isotopic fractionation between aqueous Zn and minerals from first-principles calculations

Abstract

Abstract Theoretical mineral-solution equilibrium isotopic fractionation can contribute to the interpretation of Zn isotopic compositions. In this study, we investigate equilibrium isotopic fractionation properties of hexaaquo zinc complex, a major Zn aqueous species, using first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) based on density functional theory (DFT). Pentaaquo and tetraaquo zinc complexes, which can be relevant for specific mechanisms such as adsorption on mineral surfaces, are also considered. This approach takes into account both configurational and solvation effects that are less easily accounted for in molecular cluster models. The logarithmic value of the reduced partition function ratio of aqueous Zn (ln β 66Zn/64Zn) is 2.86 ± 0.04‰ at 295 K, while the same computational approach gave ln β 66Zn/64Zn in the range 2.2–4.1‰ for various Zn-bearing minerals. For example, calculations predict at 295 K, equilibrium fractionations between mineral and aqueous Zn of − 0.46‰ for primary zinc sulfide sphalerite and of − 0.20‰ and +0.34‰ for secondary phases gunningite and hydrozincite, respectively. Molecular clusters are also modelled, predicting isotopically heavier Zn with respect to related FPMD models (ln β increases by 0.09 to 0.23‰). These values are small but significant in the Zn isotopic system and supports the idea that a proper description of the dynamics of the system and the solvation effect are required for a reliable prediction of the isotopic properties of solvated ions.