Effect of dissolved oxygen on the sulfidization flotation of smithsonite

Although sulfidization is a very beneficial method to enhance the floatability of smithsonite, the presence of inevitable dissolved oxygen (DO) deteriorates it by unclear mechanisms. This work investigated the sulfidization process and the sulfidization products on smithsonite surface under various DO conditions by means of in-site electrochemical quartz microbalance (eQCM), zeta potential tests, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. A strong correlation between sulfidization products and the DO contents was established. The stable sulfidization products was rapidly formed on the smithsonite surface under anoxic condition, but it could be oxidized to sulfate by DO. The oxidation of sulfidization products further reduce the floatability of smithsonite. These results suggested that DO had extremely negative effect on sulfidization flotation of smithsonite, which might provide important guidance for industrial application.

Automated summary

This study found that dissolved oxygen has a significantly negative impact on the sulfidization flotation of smithsonite, as it oxidizes the sulfidization products and reduces their floatability.