Selective flotation separation of molybdenite and talc by yeast infusion with H2O2 peroxidation

Abstract

Molybdenum is an important alloy element for metallurgical industry. As the major mineral reserve for molybdenum, molybdenite (MoS2) is commonly associated with talc. The flotation separation of talc and molybdenite is challenging due to their excellent inherent floatability. In this study, we innovatively used oxidant and inhibitor to perform reverse flotation of molybdenite and yeast infusion was evaluated as a potential depressant in the reverse flotation separation of molybdenite from talc. Flotation tests of single mineral samples and multi-mineral samples were carried out to evaluate the performance of yeast infusion and H2O2 in flotation. And the results show that under the 100 mg/L H2O2, 100 mg/L yeast infusion treated molybdenite can be effectively separated from talc, the grade and recovery of Mo in the sink product were 42.8% and 80%. Contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and zeta potential data indicated that the surface of molybdenite underwent slight oxidation after H2O2 treatment. The hydrophilicity of molybdenite was also significantly enhanced. Results of infrared spectroscopy and adsorption tests demonstrated that H2O2 enhanced yeast infusion adsorption on molybdenite.