Abstract
The electrochemical oxidation of galena in collectorless and collector flotation systems, particularly in strong alkaline media, was studied. The results show that, with pH value higher than 12.5 and potentials below 0.17 V, the oxidation products of galena are elemental sulfur and HPbO −2 . Elemental sulfur was present on the mineral surface in excess of oxidized lead species due to dissolution of HPbO −2 , which is beneficial to the flotation of galena. Under the same conditions, sphalerite and pyrite were depressed as a result of significant surface oxidation. Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) was found to be the most suitable collector for galena flotation in strongly alkaline media. The very potential produced hydrophobic PbD2—the surface reaction product of DDTC with galena, is 0 to 0.2 V. Meantime DDTC can depress the surface over-oxidation of galena. Investigations also indicate that, in the range of − 0.9 V to 0.6 V, hydrophobic PbD2 can be firmly adsorbed on galena.
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Foundation item: The National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(No. 59925412);
Biography of the first author: GU Guohua, associate professor, doctor, majoring in the natural resources multipurpose use and electrochemical flotation.
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Gu, Gh., Hu, Yh., Qiu, Gz. et al. Potential control flotation of galena in strong alkaline media. J Cent. South Univ. Technol. 9, 16–20 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-002-0004-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-002-0004-4