Study of selective collecting capacity and mechanism of novel complexes BHA-Ce on fluorite

Abstract

The selective collecting ability of BHA-Ce complexes on fluorite was investigated through flotation tests, zeta potential, and contact angle measurements, revealing higher selectivity compared to BHA. The adsorption mechanism on the fluorite surface was studied using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) tests, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, showing distinct binding behaviours. BHA exhibited non-selective adsorption on both the calcium of fluorite and calcite surfaces, resulting in the formation of a four-membered ring configuration as -C = O-Ca-NOH-. In contrast, BHA-Ce complexes exhibited selective chemical adsorption on the fluoride atoms of fluorite, forming a five-membered ring configuration as -C = O-Ce-O-NH- with F, while showing no significant adsorption on calcite. Consequently, this phenomenon demonstrates the high selectivity of BHA-Ce complexes for collecting fluorite. This study provides valuable inspiration for the advancement of novel flotation reagents for fluorite within the industry and introduces innovative concepts.