A green flotation collector towards efficient separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite with high selectivity

Xanthate, due to its superior collecting ability, is widely used in the field of minerals flotation. However, its weak selectivity and foul odor make it difficult to separate chalcopyrite from pyrite and reduce pollution. This work provides an efficient and odorless collector to selectively separate chalcopyrite from pyrite. Amide group was introduced into xanthate and an efficient and odorless xanthate derivative was designed, potassium O-(6-(butylamino)-6-oxohexyl) xanthate (PBAHX), to selectively separate chalcopyrite and pyrite. The flotation results showed that PBAHX exhibited superior selectivity, the separation index of PBAHX for chalcopyrite and pyrite is 2.65 while that of the traditional sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX) is 1.29, and enabled the separation of chalcopyrite and pyrite. The electronic-nose detection demonstrated that the odor intensity of PBAHX was lower than SIBX. Subsequently, “horizontal” adsorption model was formed for the adsorption of PBAHX on pyrite to explain the differences in flotation results. Besides, hydrogen bonds may be produced between collector molecules to dampen odor. PBAHX shows potential as a green and effective alternative to sulfide mineral flotation.