Study of Xanthane (KAX) Adsorption on Galena : Separation by Flotation

Abstract

The adsorption of anionic collectors (xanthate) on the surface of galena was studied using diffuse reflectance FTIR (DRIFT) and scanning electron micrograph (SEM) techniques. The effect of sulphite interaction with galena on the mechanism of potassium amyl xanthate (KAX) adsorption onto galena surfaces has been studied in situ using electrochemical potential, FTIR spectra and SEM have been used to identify the mechanism of interaction between sulphite and galena surfaces. Activated galena with copper sulfate (10-4M) has been investigated at pH 9.5 and potassium amyl xanthate (3.10-2M) concentration. Potential (Eopt (PbS) = +55mV); Adsorbed colloidal (Pb-AX, 1109-1384Cm-1) is found even at high xanthate concentration, colloidal lead oxide/hydroxide particles have been imaged after 10-4M lead sulfate addition at pH 9.5. The behaviour of this system is consistent with ion exchange between xanthate and hydroxide followed by oxidation to dixanthogen (X2, 1276Cm-1) and diffusion of this species across the surface