LAUSR

Birnessite has a strong ability to fix rare-earth elements (REEs), but the transformation process of birnessite and its effects on the migration of these elements are not well understood. This study examines how pH and Mn(II) concentrations influence the transformation of cerium-adsorbed hexagonal birnessite (Ce/HB) and the behaviors of Ce and Mn. The results show that the effect of Mn(II) on Ce/HB transformation strongly depended on solution pH. At a pH of 5.0, HB initially underwent transformation into feitknechtite, followed by further disproportionation that resulted in the regeneration of HB and Mn(II). Concurrently, redox reactions occur between Mn(IV) in MnO2 (a secondary phase of HB) and Ce(III)/Mn(II), creating a local redox gradient that facilitates partial HB transformation. At pH = 7.0, Mn(II) reduces the crystallinity of transformed products while enhancing the thermodynamic stability of feitknechtite, making it the dominant manganese oxide phase. At pH = 9.0, high-concentration Mn(II) causes lattice distortion in original HB; Ce(III) acts as a structural inducer, promoting mineral transition from hexagonal to orthorhombic symmetry, while excess soluble Mn(II) precipitates new feitknechtite. Additionally, surplus Mn(II) could engage in interfacial redox reactions with high-valent manganese oxides to generate secondary feitknechtite. Ce primarily exists as Ce(IV), forming CeO2 on the mineral surface via oxidation reactions that significantly increase hydroxylation and surface reactivity. This study clarifies the transformation pathways of manganese oxides and the migration and transformation patterns of Ce and Mn in rare-earth-rich mining areas.