Electrochemical study of surface oxidation and collectorless flotation of arsenopyrite

• The surface oxidation of arsenopyrite in alkaline solutions has been studied by cyclic voltammetry. The initial oxidation of arsenopyrite surface produces ferric hydroxide and a realgar-like compound according to the following rection:[Figure not available: see fulltext.] At higher potentials, the oxidation of arsenopyrite results in elemental sulphur and arsenate according to the following overall reaction: {Mathematical expression} Ferric hydroxide is precipitated and arsenate stays on the surface. Both elemental sulphur and realgar (AsS) are retained on the arsenopyrite substrate. Oxidation of arsenopyrite surfaces is not affected by potential cycling or by the presence of arsenic or sulphide species. The oxidation of hydroxyl ions takes place simultaneously with the arsenopyrite oxidation. Flotation tests demonstrated that freshly ground arsenopyrite is non-floatable in the absence of xanthate as collector. Good flotation was obtained for both freshly ground and aged arsenopyrite in the presence of EDTA. The flotation results support the reactions for arsenopyrite oxidation drawn from the electrochemical studies

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Materialteknik -- Metallurgi och metalliska material (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Materials Engineering -- Metallurgy and Metallic Materials (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Mineral Processing

Mineralteknik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)