Difference of solidophilic atoms in collectors: Enlightenments for flotation separation of spodumene and feldspar

In this paper, the effect of benzyl arsenic acid (BAA) and sodium oleate (NaOl) on mineral flotation was studied for the first time from the perspective of the difference of solidophilic atom. Compared with NaOl, the solidophilic O atoms of BAA had stronger electronegativity and the bonding strength of As-O was lower than that of C O. Thus, when BAA adsorbed on the mineral surfaces, the bonding strength of the solidophilic O atoms with the adsorption sites would be higher. The DFT calculation of adsorption model indicated that after activation by Ca(OH) + , the adsorption capacity of BAA on spodumene surface was significantly higher than that of NaOl, while the adsorption strength on feldspar was similar to that of NaOl. This result was corroborated by flotation experiment and adsorption capacity test. Thus, compared with NaOl, BAA could separate and recover spodumene more effectively.