Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) Application to Mineral Formation

The oxidation states of structural Fe in clay minerals often reflect the paleo-redox conditions of the depositional environments. It is inevitable to utilize the high resolution of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the mechanism of mineral transformation at nano-scale. The applications of TEMelectron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) for quantification of Fe(III)/ΣFe from the K-nontronite formation associated with structural Fe(III) reduction in nontronite under deep subseafloor environment were demonstrated. In particular, quantification of the changes in Fe-oxidation state at nanoscale is essential to understand the mechanisms of minerals formation. The procedure of EELS acquisition, quantitative determination of Fe-oxidation states, and advantages of EELS techniques were discussed.