Effect of Oxidation on the Floatability and Surface Properties of Chalcopyrite

To investigate the impact of oxidation on the floatability and surface properties of chalcopyrite, the influence of oxidation on its surface properties was investigated using Fourier transform infrared, zeta potential detection, contact angle tests, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) analysis. The pH value of the pulp, the dosage of the collectors, and the change in the floatability of chalcopyrite in water and in aqueous solutions of KMnO₄, H₂O₂, and NaClO were investigated. The optimal pH value for floating is around 4 in the chalcopyrite pulp, with ideal dosages of 100 and 125 g/t for butyl xanthate and ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate, respectively. Deep oxidation will lead to the decline of the chalcopyrite flotation rate. Contact angle, infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential detection show that slight oxidation improves the floatability of chalcopyrite, while excessive oxidation depresses it. Chemical and physical adsorption occurs between chalcopyrite and the two collectors. An XPS test showed that the valence state of the S element increases after oxidation. SEM-EDS energy spectrum analysis showed that oxidation reduces the adsorption of the two collectors on chalcopyrite. The results of this study are highly significant in terms of exploring how oxidation affects the floatability and surface properties of chalcopyrite.