Science

Tetrahedral iron can help clays exchange electrons about ten times faster

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 06/10/2026, 21:55:24 UTC.

Briefings

Smectite clay minerals containing structural iron can be reduced and reoxidized repeatedly, creating a recyclable pool of redox-active iron. This process supports microbial respiration, transforms contaminants, and influences nutrient and trace element cycling, potentially accelerating electron exchange by an order of magnitude compared to iron oxides.

Key points

• Smectite clay minerals contain structural iron that can be reduced and reoxidized repeatedly without dissolving, unlike iron oxides.
• This recyclable pool of redox-active iron supports microbial respiration and influences nutrient and trace element cycling.

Context and limitations

Evidence is limited to the chemical properties of smectite clays; specific microbial populations, contaminant types, or quantitative rates of electron exchange remain unmeasured.

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