Experimental and Mechanistic Study on Flotation Separation of Chalcopyrite and Molybdenite Using the Novel Depressant 2-Mercapto-6-Methylpyrimidin-4-ol

Bibliographic Details
Title: Experimental and Mechanistic Study on Flotation Separation of Chalcopyrite and Molybdenite Using the Novel Depressant 2-Mercapto-6-Methylpyrimidin-4-ol
Authors: Xiangwen Lv, Anruo Luo, Xiong Tong, Jianhua Chen, Sheng Jian
Source: Molecules, Vol 30, Iss 6, p 1396 (2025)
Publisher Information: MDPI AG, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Organic chemistry
Subject Terms: chalcopyrite, molybdenite, flotation, depressant, DFT, Organic chemistry, QD241-441
More Details: Chalcopyrite and molybdenite are vital strategic metal resources. Due to their close association in ores, flotation methods are commonly used for separation. The flotation separation method primarily employs the “copper depression and molybdenum flotation” process, enhancing the wettability difference between chalcopyrite and molybdenite through a chalcopyrite depressant. Traditional depressants often face challenges, including low selectivity, high dosage requirements, poor stability, and significant environmental pollution, highlighting the need for new, highly selective green reagents. This study introduces the novel chalcopyrite depressant 2-mercapto-6-methylpyrimidin-4-ol (MMO) for flotation separation. The influence of MMO on chalcopyrite and molybdenite flotation recovery was examined through microflotation experiments. Additionally, the effects of MMO and ethyl xanthate on surface wettability were assessed via contact angle measurements. The adsorption microstructure and interaction mechanism of MMO on chalcopyrite were elucidated using FT-IR, TOF-SIMS, and XPS analyses and DFT simulations. Results indicate that MMO enhances chalcopyrite hydrophilicity and exhibits a strong depressing effect on its flotation, while minimally impacting molybdenite recovery. Thus, it serves as an effective depressant. During adsorption, N and S atoms in MMO donate electrons to Fe and Cu ions, leading to triple bond adsorption and a stable chelate structure. These findings are crucial for achieving a greener and more efficient flotation separation of copper and molybdenum.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1420-3049
Relation: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/6/1396; https://doaj.org/toc/1420-3049
DOI: 10.3390/molecules30061396
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/1d2df2a4b564491a97c417452b96e2d2
Accession Number: edsdoj.1d2df2a4b564491a97c417452b96e2d2
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
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More Details
ISSN:14203049
DOI:10.3390/molecules30061396
Published in:Molecules
Language:English