Abstract
The products of surface oxidation of a natural sample of the copper iron sulphide mineral, bornite, have been determined from analysis of linear potential sweep voltammograms and from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic examination of the oxidized layer. Anodic oxidation of bornite in alkaline media results initially in the formation of an iron(III) oxide/hydroxide and an iron-free copper sulphide of stoichiometry Cu5S4. The latter species is oxidized further at higher potentials to form a copper sulphide of lower copper content and cupric hydroxide. Air oxidation involves the first of these two steps. In acid solution, anodic oxidation yields iron(II) ions rather than an iron oxide in the first stage and copper(II) ions in the second. Sulphate and elemental sulphur are not formed under the experimental conditions investigated.
Published Version
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