Identification of copper-sulfide species on the cuprite surface and its role in sulfidization flotation

Abstract

Cuprite is an important copper-oxide mineral that is difficult to recover in flotation. Therefore, it is necessary to study the flotation behavior of cuprite to recover copper resources. In this work, Na 2 S was used to modify the cuprite surface to enhance its floatability. The effect of Na 2 S on the flotation behavior of cuprite was determined by microflotation tests. The influence of Na 2 S on xanthate adsorption on the cuprite surface was determined by surface adsorption measurements, zeta potential tests, and infrared spectroscopy analysis. The surface sulfidization products on the cuprite surface were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The microflotation tests showed that Na 2 S could enhance the cuprite floatability. The surface adsorption measurements, zeta potential tests, and infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that sulfidization could strengthen the adsorption of xanthate on the cuprite surface and reduce the collector consumption. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated that a hydrophobic and stable copper-sulfide film formed on the cuprite surface. These results confirmed that sulfidization could enhance the cuprite surface hydrophobicity, which improved the cuprite flotation. • Cuprite floatability was enhanced after sulfidization. • Surface sulfidization of cuprite could reduce collector consumption. • Copper-sulfide film formed on the cuprite surface. • High-activity Cu–S n species existed on the cuprite surface after sulfidization.