Selective separation of wolframite from calcite by froth flotation using a novel amidoxime surfactant: Adsorption mechanism and DFT calculation

This study concentrated on the adsorption features and mechanism of a novel amidoxime surfactant 3-dodecylamine propyl amidoxime (DPA) used as a new wolframite collector on wolframite and calcite surfaces. The flotation experiment showed that DPA collector has a remarkable flotation separation effect on wolframite and calcite. Additionally, the results of the contact angle and zeta potential measurements, and FTIR spectral analysis revealed that the DPA had produced strong electrostatic adsorption on the surface of wolframite, but almost no adsorption on calcite. The results of the DFT calculation showed that DPA had a strong effect on the wolframite surface mainly through the positive charged -C(NOH)N+H3 group. It provides a new idea for the flotation separation of wolframite and calcite.

Automated summary

This study focused on the adsorption characteristics and mechanism of a novel amidoxime surfactant, 3-dodecylamine propyl amidoxime (DPA), used as a collector for wolframite and calcite surfaces. The flotation experiment demonstrated that DPA had a significant separation effect on wolframite and calcite. The contact angle and zeta potential measurements, as well as FTIR spectral analysis, revealed that DPA exhibited strong electrostatic adsorption on the surface of wolframite, but minimal adsorption on calcite. DFT calculations indicated that DPA primarily affected the wolframite surface through the positively charged -C(NOH)N+H3 group. This provides a new approach for the flotation separation of wolframite and calcite.