Evaluating the adsorption mechanism of a novel thiocarbamate on chalcopyrite and pyrite particles

The selective adsorption of surfactants on minerals can strengthen the differences of physical and chemical properties of mineral surfaces, thereby improving the separation efficiency of the refractory minerals. Herein, a novel surfactant S-carboxyethyl- N -benzoyl thiocarbamate (CEBTB) was prepared and utilized as a collector to selective separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite. The adsorption performances and mechanism of CEBTB on chalcopyrite and pyrite surface were studied. It showed that the functional groups (C O, C S and –COOH) of CEBTB could selectively anchor on the chalcopyrite surface and increase its surface hydrophobicity, whereas the adsorption of CEBTB on pyrite surface was weak with the surface hydrophobicity improved insignificantly. Flotation experimental indicated that CEBTB exhibited superior flotation selectivity for chalcopyrite against pyrite than the common collector of SIBX. Batch adsorption experimental results demonstrated that the adsorption of CEBTB onto chalcopyrite surface was performed by a monolayer chemisorption, as well as the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous.