Application and interaction mechanism of Fe2+ in enhancing flotation separation between chalcopyrite and galena

Chalcopyrite and galena exhibit excellent natural floatability, posing significant challenges in their separation through flotation processes. Application and interaction mechanism of Fe 2+ in enhancing flotation separation between chalcopyrite and galena was investigated by flotation experiments, wettability analysis, adsorption capacity tests, zeta potential analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This study indicated that Fe 2+ significantly enhanced flotation separation between galena and chalcopyrite. Contact angles of chalcopyrite decreased, while that of galena increased after reaction with Fe 2+ . The addition of Fe 2+ improved the adsorption of the ethyl thiocarbamate on the surface of galena and dramatically reduced that on the surface of chalcopyrite. The zeta potential of the galena and chalcopyrite shifted positively when Fe 2+ was present, and the zeta potential shift of galena was greater than that of chalcopyrite. The presence of Fe 2+ led to an increase in the concentration of total S, S 2− and S n 2- on the surface of galena, and promoted the formation of a ferric hydroxide coating on the surface of chalcopyrite. Thus, the introduction of Fe 2+ effectively enhanced the flotation separation between galena and chalcopyrite.