Comparative Analysis of Lead Ions and Ammonium Salts in Malachite Sulfurization-Assisted Flotation Based on Surface Layer Durability
Sulfurization-assisted flotation is a key process that uses sulfur compounds to modify mineral surfaces, enhancing hydrophobicity and flotation efficiency, especially for copper oxide minerals. This study introduced the preliminary activation of malachite utilizing a combination of Pb<sup>2+&l...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Metals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/15/6/601 |
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| Summary: | Sulfurization-assisted flotation is a key process that uses sulfur compounds to modify mineral surfaces, enhancing hydrophobicity and flotation efficiency, especially for copper oxide minerals. This study introduced the preliminary activation of malachite utilizing a combination of Pb<sup>2+</sup> and NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> ions in sulfurization systems, significantly improving flotation recovery. Flotation tests and surface analysis techniques were employed to examine the effects of Pb<sup>2+</sup> and NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> ions on malachite’s flotation behavior and the stability of its sulfurized surface layer. The results showed that, after activation with Pb<sup>2+</sup> and NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> at optimal reagent concentrations, malachite’s flotation recovery reached 94.6%, compared to 68.13% with traditional sulfurization. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed significant changes in malachite’s surface morphology, with a dense, cloud-like sulfide film forming that contained more sulfur than in direct sulfurization, enhancing the durability of the sulfurized surface. Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) analysis confirmed increased sulfide ion adsorption on the surface compared to traditional sulfurization. The Pb<sup>2+</sup> + (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>S + Na<sub>2</sub>S system generated numerous active sites from copper-sulfide species, promoting the growth of sulfurized phases. FT-IR analysis showed stable Cu-S species on the malachite surface, improving SBX adsorption and flotation performance. Contact angle measurements indicated that the activation systems significantly improved surface hydrophobicity, with the copper-sulfide film achieving a contact angle of 95.29°, demonstrating superior durability and mineral recovery compared to traditional sulfurization. Thus, the activation of Pb<sup>2+</sup> and NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> ions offers a promising solution for sulfurization-assisted flotation, enabling more efficient and sustainable recovery of malachite ore, with improved sulfide layer durability and enhanced hydrophobicity. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-4701 |