The synergetic collecting effect of N-oleoyl sarcosine (N-OSS) and dodecylamine (DDA) on the selective flotation of spodumene from albite

In this study, N-OSS combined with DDA was examined as an novel collector. The collecting performances and their synergetic interaction mechanisms were investigated comprehensively. The micro-flotation results illustrated N-OSS/DDA exhibited excellent selectivity on separation without pre-activation. Contact angle tests revealed N-OSS/DDA could selectively enhance the hydrophobicity of spodumene, whereas, they barely affected that of albite. FTIR, SEM-EDS and Zeta potential revealed N-OSS/DDA might co-adsorb on spodumene surface rather than that of albite. XPS analysis and DFT calculations inferred the O 1 2p orbitals of -COO- within N-OSS could bond with Al 3s orbitals and the -NH 3 + groups of DDA adsorbed onto spodumene surface via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction. Meanwhile, the hydrogen bonding between N-OSS and DDA promoted the co-adsorption on spodumene surface. While N-OSS/DDA weakly adsorbed on albite surface through physical adsorption. N-OSS/DDA exhibited outstanding floatability, which maybe a good substitute for conventional collectors in future.