Bastnaesite Surface Research Articles

Systematic investigation on bastnaesite flotation in the presence of dissolved calcium ions using organic acids as chelating agents

This study systematically investigated the potential of organic acids as Ca2+ ions chelating agents in bastnaesite flotation. Naturally, bastnaesite is associated with calcium-bearing gangue minerals, such as calcite (CaCO3) and fluorite (CaF2). The flotation beneficiation of bastnaesite in the presence of calcium-bearing minerals (e.g., calcite) is exceptionally complex due to the release of Ca2+ ions into the flotation pulp which changes the solution chemistry and bastnaesite surface properties. This study seeks to address the challenge of dissolved Ca2+ ions on bastnaesite flotation using organic acids, namely lactic, succinic, and citric acids. Systematic micro-flotation experiments were followed by electro-kinetic tests, solution chemistry studies, and XPS characterization. The results of this study showed that the elevated concentration of Ca2+ ions dramatically decreased bastnaesite flotation recovery values. However, organic acids formed soluble chelates with Ca2+ ions, effectively eliminating the detrimental impact of dissolved Ca2+ ions on bastnaesite flotation.

Multi-polar group cationic collector HTTPD: Mechanistic insights into selective flotation of bastnaesite

To address the challenge of separating bastnaesite rare earth minerals from gangue minerals, this study independently synthesized a novel multi-polar group cationic surfactant,2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-N1,N1,N3,N3-tetramethyl-N1,N3-bis(3-tridecanamidopropyl)propane-1,3-diaminium bromide (HTTPD), as a collector. The flotation results showed that HTTPD could obtain REO grade of 69.71% and recovery of 89.33%, significantly outperforming conventional collectors and proving to be an excellent collector. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation displayed that two quaternary ammonium groups and –NH/OH polar groups were main active sites with strong reactivity. The quaternary ammonium groups of HTTPD strongly adsorbed on the bastnaesite surface through electrostatic attraction, thereby enhancing the flotation selectivity from calcite. The –NH/–OH polar groups adsorbed with bastnaesite by hydrogen bonding interaction. Multi-polar group synergistic adsorption, formed through electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding interaction, was the primary mechanism for the efficient separation of bastnaesite and calcite. This research not only provided new insight and theoretical guidance for the design and application of novel collectors but also promoted the efficient development and utilization of rare earth mineral resources.

Selective flotation separation of bastnaesite from calcite using p-methyl/methoxy benzohydroxamic acid collectors

In this paper, the flotation performances of benzohydroxamic acid (BHA) and its derivatives, p-methyl-benzohydroxamic acid (PMBHA) and p-methoxy-benzohydroxamic acid (PMOBHA) towards bastnaesite and calcite were investigated. The micro-flotation results indicated that the three collectors returned an excellent flotation selectivity against calcite, and their collecting ability towards bastnaesite followed the sequence of PMBHA > PMOBHA > BHA. PMBHA achieved the effective flotation separation of bastnaesite from calcite under pH 8.0–11.0. The findings of adsorption capacity and zeta-potential inferred that PMOBHA exhibited the strongest adsorption affinity to bastnaesite, followed by PMBHA, and then BHA, corresponding to their electron donating ability as-calculated by density functional theory (DFT). While, the dynamic froth stability and contact angle showed that the foaming ability of the three collectors and their hydrophobization towards bastnaesite surface were in order of PMBHA > PMOBHA > BHA, which originated from the hydrophobicity difference reflected by the calculated LogP values. Their collecting power was consistent with the hydrophobization ability rather than the adsorption affinity. For the chemisorption of the three hydroxamic acids on bastnaesite surface was strong enough, their hydrophobicity and foaming power might play an important role for their collecting ability. PMBHA was an excellent candidate collector for bastnaesite flotation.

Flotation behavior and adsorption mechanism of 2-hydroxy-3-naphthyl hydroxamic acid on bastnaesite surface

Flotation behavior and adsorption mechanism of 2-hydroxy-3-naphthyl hydroxamic acid on bastnaesite surface

Flotation performance of a novel collector, ethyl o-mesitylsulfonylacetohydroxamate, for bastnaesite ores

Existing collectors used in the flotation process of bastnaesite ores are characterized by the poor flotation performance and low recovery. In this paper, from the perspective of molecular structure, ethyl O-mesitylsulfonylacetohydroxamate (C<sub>1</sub>) was selected as a novel collector for bastnaesite ores, and compared with the most commonly used collector, salicylhydroxamic acid (C<sub>2</sub>), in the flotation test with bastnaesite ore with fine mineral particles, complex embedding and a high mud content. The flotation test confirmed that C<sub>1</sub> had the better collection ability and flotation performance than C<sub>2</sub>. Then, the adsorption mechanisms between collectors (C<sub>1</sub> and C<sub>2</sub>) and bastnaesite surface were explored based on first principles thinking. The adsorption energies between collectors (C<sub>1</sub> and C<sub>2</sub>) and the (110) plane of bastnaesite were respectively calculated as -1.79 eV and -1.44 eV and corresponding adsorption heights were respectively 1.65 Å and 2.43 Å. These data indicated that C<sub>1</sub> had the better affinity to the (110) plane of bastnaesite and the better binding. The calculation results of partial density of states (PDOS) showed that both collectors underwent significant orbital hybridization with the (110) plane of bastnaesite, suggesting strong electronic interactions.

Effect of an Environment-Friendly Depressant on the Flotation of Bastnaesite and Fluorite

To overcome the difficulty of separating bastnaesite from fluorite through the flotation technique, the present study examined the suitability of sodium alginate (SA) as a depressant in the flotation process. The effect of SA on the flotation separation of bastnaesite and fluorite was evaluated using micro-flotation tests, zeta potential measurements, adsorption density measurements, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The micro-flotation results showed that SA exerted a strongly detrimental effect on fluorite flotation, while slightly affecting bastnaesite flotation. The surface chemistry results revealed that the -COO- and HO- functional groups in SA coordinated with Ca2+ on the fluorite surface, which induced hydrophilicity and hindered adsorption in the subsequent octylhydroxamic acid as a collector. However, the interaction of SA with the bastnaesite surface was marginal and did not affect the anchoring of the collector on the surface of bastnaesite. Based on these results, the present study proposes a possible model for the interaction of SA on the surfaces of the two minerals, laying a foundation for the flotation separation of bastnaesite from fluorite with SA as an environmentally benign depressant.

N-[6-(hydroxyamino)-6-oxohexyl]octanamide: A collector derived from the structure of octyl hydroxamic acid and its application in bastnaesite flotation

Bastnaesite has always been faced significant challenges in its flotation separation from its associated gangue minerals like fluorite. Despite being a commonly employed collector for oxide mineral flotations, octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) still exhibits insufficient selectivity. Consequently, a novel hydroxamic acid, N-[6-(hydroxyamino)-6-oxohexyl]octanamide (NHOO), is synthesized and employed as a collector in bastnaesite flotation, building upon the structure of OHA. Flotation experiments under neutral conditions demonstrate the effective ability of NHOO to achieve a difference of nearly 60% in the recoveries between bastnaesite and fluorite during their separation. Concordant outcomes from zeta potential characterizations, adsorption tests, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy validate heightened adsorption quantities of NHOO on bastnaesite surface relative to fluorite under identical dosage conditions. Ab initio calculations unveil the capability of NHOO to establish a pentacoordinate chelate ring on bastnaesite surface, whereas on fluorite, it can only form a singular chemical bond. Consequently, NHOO shows a considerably lower energy associated with its adsorption on bastnaesite surface in comparison to its energy on fluorite surface.

Flotation and adsorption of novel Gemini decyl-bishydroxamic acid on bastnaesite: Experiments and density functional theory calculations

Rare earth element is an important strategic metal, but the supply of high purity rare earth ores is growing slowly, which is in sharp contradiction with the rapidly growing demand. Froth flotation has been confirmed to be an effective method to separate bastnaesite from its gangue minerls. However, the traditional collectors are facing serious problems in flotation separation of minerals, requiring the addition of excess depressant and regulator in the flotation process. Herein, we proposed and synthesized novel Gemini hydroxamic acids Octyl-bishydroxamic acid (OTBHA), Decyl-bishydroxamic acid (DCBHA) and Dodecyl-bishydroxamic acid (DDBHA) as the collectors in bastnaesite-barite flotation system. The effect of different carbon chain lengths on the molecular properties were explored by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. DCBHA possessed a stronger reactivity compared with OCBHA and DDBHA. The flotation results verified the consistency of the computational calculation about the performance prediction of Gemini hydroxamic acids. Compared with OCBHA and DDBHA, DCBHA displayed superior collecting affinity toward bastnaesite, and did not float barite. Zeta potential results showed that the presence of DCBHA increased the potential of bastnaesite, while it had almost no effect on barite, indicating DCBHA had a stronger affinity for bastnaesite. Then, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses indicated that the adsorption mechanism was due to two hydroxamate groups of DCBHA co-anchored on bastnaesite surface by forming five-membered hydroxamic―(O―O)―Ce complexes. In addition, atomic force microscopy (AFM) clearly observed that DCBHA uniformly aggregated on bastnaesite surface, which increased surface contact angle and improved the hydrophobicity of bastnaesite.

Synthesis and utilization of a novel oleate hydroxamic acid collector for the flotation separation of bastnaesite from barite

Hydroxamic acid collectors display excellent selectivity but poor collecting ability in bastnaesite flotation. Improving the collecting capacity of hydroxamic acid collector appropriately become an effective method to enhance the performance of flotation reagents. A novel oleate hydroxamic acid (OLHA) as a collector was synthesized and applied to bastnaesite flotation in this work. The structure of OLHA was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The single mineral and artificial mixed minerals flotation experiments results show that OLHA achieved efficient flotation separation of bastnaesite and barite when odium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) was used as depressant. The contact angle, zeta potential, FTIR and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were performed to investigate the adsorption mechanism of OLHA. The contact angle results show that OLHA significantly improved the surface hydrophobicity of bastnaesite. Zeta potential and FTIR results show that in the presence of SHMP, OLHA selectively adsorbs to the surface of bastnaesite. Over all, OLHA adsorbs on the surface of bastnaesite through chemically adsorption, and strengthen the hydrophobicity of bastnaesite surface. Therefore, OLHA is a promising collector for bastnaesite flotation.

An investigation into the selective flotation of bastnaesite using the innovative collector HABTC: A comprehensive examination of the underlying mechanism

To adequately utilize the critical rare earth resource by flotation, finding effective collectors has attracted increasing attention in the mining industry. A promising collector group is dithiocarbamate ester surfactant. In this study, S-[(2-hydroxyamino)-2-oxoethyl]-N, N-dibutyl-dithiocarbamate (HABTC), S-[(2-hydroxyamino)-2-oxoethyl]-N, N-dipropyl-dithiocarbamate (HAPTC), and S-[(2-hydroxyamino)-2-oxoethyl]-N, N-diethyl-dithiocarbamate (HAETC), were employed in the flotation of bastnaesite. The flotation performance achieved using HABTC was found to be the most satisfactory, aligned with the hydrophobicity determination by CLogP. Additionally, the adsorption mechanism of HABTC towards bastnaesite surfaces was systematically evaluated. Zeta potential measurements provided evidence of a chemisorption interaction between bastnaesite and HABTC. Results obtained from FTIR and XPS analyses indicated that HABTC likely underwent a reaction with the Ce (III) atoms present on the surface of bastnaesite. This reaction was hypothesized to occur through the O and S atoms of the N-C(S), SC, and C(O) NOH groups in HABTC, leading to the formation of complexes. The universal mechanism found in this work provides considerable potential for the extensive application of HABTC within rare earth flotation.

Investigation on flotation separation of bastnaesite from calcite with a novel collector: Octylamino-bis-(isobutanohydroxamic acid)

Bastnaesite is an important mineral resource, usually associated with calcite and other minerals, flotation is one of the most widely used methods in the selection process. Collector is the key to achieve flotation separation of bastnaesite from gangue mineral. The effect of a new hydroxamic acid collector with two functional groups: Octylamino-bis-(isobutanohydroxamic acid) (OIBHA), on the flotation separation of bastnaesite from calcite was investigated. The Single mineral and artificial mixed ore flotation results revealed that OIBHA exhibited better collecting ability and selectivity compared with the conventional hydroxamic acid collector octanohydroxamic acid (OHA). Effective separation between bastnaesite and calcite can be realized. The concentrate with 68.82 % REO grade and 90.23 % REO recovery was obtained with 3 × 10−4 mol/L OIBHA. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, zeta potential measurements and quantum chemical calculations were used to investigate the selective adsorption mechanism of OIBHA. The results of FTIR analysis and zeta potential measurements showed that OIBHA was strongly adsorbed on the surface of bastnaesite, but did not interact with calcite. Quantum chemical calculations results indicated OIBHA matched well with bastnaesite surface, thereby improved the selectivity. The results in this paper are instructive for the study of the spatial matching properties of collectors and mineral surfaces.

Flotation of bastnaesite by mixed collectors and adsorption mechanism

Bastnaesite, as one of the most important sources of rare earth elements, are typically separated through flotation. However, the complex association and fine particle size of bastnaesite make it challenging to achieve high flotation recovery and grade. In this study, mixed collectors composed of benzohydroxamic acid (BHA) and salicyhydroxamic acid (SHA) has been developed for the flotation of bastnaesite. Results show that BHA has better collection performance while SHA show better selectivity in the flotation separation of calcite and dolomite. The combination of BHA and SHA in the flotation turn out that the recovery and grade of bastnaesite are simultaneous promoted compared to single collector. Adsorption experiments indicate that bastnaesite has larger adsorption capacity to BHA, while SHA are more selective adsorbed on bastnaesite rather than calcite and dolomite. Zeta potential measurements confirm the stronger adsorption of mixed collector onto the bastnaesite surface compare to single collectors, which agree well with the flotation results. The FTIR analyses show that the mixed collector undergoes a chemical reaction on the bastnaesite surface, facilitating chelation between the collector and bastnaesite. The XPS analyses verified that the newly formed bonds are Ce-O bonds between the collectors and bastnaesite. Overall, this study developed a kind of mixed collector for bastnaesite flotation, the synergistic effect and co-adsorption of BHA and SHA on bastnaesite surface have been demonstrated, which provide new approach to improve the flotation recovery and grade of bastnaesite.

Utilizing N-hydroxy-9-octadecenamide as a collector in flotation separation of bastnaesite and fluorite

Bastnaesite ((Ce,La,Pr,Nd)CO3F) is a significant light rare earth mineral found in nature, known for its fine-grained properties. Flotation is commonly employed for the recovery of fine-grained bastnaesite particles. Collectors serve as an essential flotation reagent that enhance the surface hydrophobicity of target minerals. A novel collector, N-hydroxy-9-octadecenamide (N-OH-9-ODA), was synthesised in this study. N-OH-9-ODA exhibits superior selectivity compared to the traditional collector oleic acid in the flotation separation of bastnaesite and fluorite. The experimental and computational results indicate that N-OH-9-ODA exhibits superior selectivity due to its higher adsorption affinity for bastnaesite surface compared to fluorite surface. The zeta potential and the binding energies of the Ce 3d peaks in the X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) of bastnaesite surface exhibit significant shifts. Conversely, fluorite surface demonstrates minimal alterations in its zeta potential and the binding energies of the Ca 2p peaks in its XPS after its interaction with N-OH-9-ODA.

Effect of La Doping and Al Species on Bastnaesite Flotation: A Density Functional Theory Study

The recovery of rare earth elements from ores is crucial because of their applications in modern technology. Bastnaesite (La/Ce(CO3)F) is typically found in deposits with other gangue minerals but can be purified by flotation. Accordingly, we investigated the interactions of the collector nonyl hydroxamic acid (NHA) with bastnaesite using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, we replaced Ce sites on the bastnaesite (100) surface with La and investigated the effect on NHA adsorption. Finally, we examined the effects of co-present aluminum species, which are frequently used inhibitors for associated gangue minerals during bastnaesite flotation, on NHA adsorption and, thus, the flotation efficiency. We found that doping with La increased the strength of adsorption between NHA and the bastnaesite (100) surface. In addition, we found that Al(OH)3(s) was adsorbed more strongly than NHA. Consequently, when Al(OH)3(s) is present in the flotation pulp, it is preferentially adsorbed, which reduces the number of sites for NHA adsorption and its flotation efficiency. These findings suggest that La doping can enhance the recovery of bastnaesite and indicate that the presence of Al minerals should be minimized.

Fluorite flotation separation from bastnaesite via an eco-friendly polymer as a depressant and insight into its mechanism of adsorption

Fluorite and bastnaesite are significant mineral resources, but they have comparable surface characteristics, making flotation separation challenging. An eco-friendly polymer depressant was used in this study, causticized cassava starch (CS), for flotation separation of fluorite and bastnaesite. Experimentation, molecular dynamics modeling, and characterization evaluation are used to identify the CS flotation adsorption process on minerals. These findings suggest that hydroxyl groups on CS branches can be weakly adsorbed on fluorite and bastnaesite surfaces by forming OH⋯F hydrogen bonds. CS belongs to causticized starch, which may adsorb on surfaces in a specific manner bastnaesite by developing the R′–CH2–O–Ce-R″ complex. Under the action of chemical adsorption and hydrogen bond adsorption, the adsorption energy of CS in bastnaesite is much larger than that in fluorite, which is −83.16 kJ/mol and −28.38 kJ/mol respectively. After a large amount of CS adsorption, the hydrophilicity of bastnaesite is awfully enhanced and the floatability is decreased. With intentionally mixed materials, flotation separation may provide a concentrate with 82.23 % CaF2 grading and 90.04 % CaF2 recovery. This study provides an idea for separating fluorite and rare earth by preferential flotation of fluorite and selective inhibition of bastnaesite.

Selective Adsorption of Sodium Silicate on the Surface of Bastnaesite and Fluorite in Salicylhydroxamic Acid System under Alkaline Conditions

During the flotation separation process of bastnaesite, it is difficult to separate bastnaesite from fluorite effectively. In this present study, sodium silicate (SS) can effectively improve the flotation separation effect of bastnaesite and fluorite in salicylhydroxamic acid (SHA) systemasa. Through relevant analyses, such as Zeta potential measurements, adsorption capacity tests, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analyses and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) tests, the selective suppressor of SS on fluorite was proven. At pH 10, the single mineral flotation results show that with the increase of SS dosage, the flotation recovery of fluorite rapidly decreases from 61.5% to 35.31%, while the flotation rate of bastnaesite is still high (recovery is 80.02%). Then, the experiment of artificial mixed ore proved that the flotation separation of fluorite and bastnaesite was effective under the appropriate dosage of inhibitor. The results of potentiodynamic measurement and an adsorption capacity test showed that the SiOOH3− structure of SS more easily reacted with fluorite, which further prevented the adsorption of SHA on the fluorite surface. FTIR test results and XPS analysis further showed that SS had a strong binding effect with the Ca site on the fluorite surface, but a weak binding effect with the Ce site on the bastnaesite surface. Consequently, SS can be used as an effective inhibitor in the flotation separation of fluorite and bastnaesite.

Flotation performance and adsorption mechanism of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate on lead ion-modified bastnaesite surfaces

Bastnaesite is an important source of light rare earth minerals and is often recovered by flotation. In this study, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (SLAS), a green, stable, and inexpensive sarcosine derivative, was used as a collector for the first time to improve bastnaesite recovery and float bastnaesite before and after Pb ion modification in a wide pH range (pH 3–10). The flotation behaviour and adsorption mechanism of SLAS on bastnaesite with and without Pb ions were investigated via flotation experiments, adsorption tests, zeta potential analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The flotation results showed that SLAS could effectively collect bastnaesite with a recovery of up to 90%, in the pH range of 3–10. Neutral and weak alkaline conditions were more favourable for bastnaesite flotation, and Pb ions promoted bastnaesite collection and reduced the amount of SLAS required. The adsorption and zeta potential experiments indicated that multilayer adsorption of SLAS occurred on the bastnaesite surface. SLAS mainly existed as the LAS anion in the pH range of 3–9, while Ce and Pb ions existed as Ce3+, Ce(OH)2+, and CeOH2+ and Pb2+ and Pb(OH)+, respectively, which favoured the interaction between the LAS anions and the bastnaesite surface via electrostatic forces and chemical adsorption. FTIR and XPS analyses revealed that the adsorption of Pb2+ and Ce–O–Pb complexes on the bastnaesite surface increased the number of active sites. The carboxyl (–COO–) and amide (–CON) groups in the LAS anions interacted with Ce and Pb sites on the bastnaesite surface to form stable Ce–LAS and Pb–LAS five-membered ring chelates. The adsorption of the LAS anions and Pb ions on the bastnaesite surface were mutually favourable, and the non-polar carbon chains in the chelates formed by the LAS anions and Pb2+ in the slurry associated with the non-polar carbon chains in the LAS anions adsorbed on the mineral surface, resulting in a multilayer adsorption, which further enhanced the floatability of bastnaesite.

Flotation separation of bastnaesite from calcite using a novel Gemini surfactant as the collector

The effective separation of bastnaesite from calcium-containing gangue minerals such as calcite is often difficult and the development of more environmentally-friendly and efficient collectors is imperative. A novel cationic Gemini surfactant ethane-1,2-dodecyldimethylammonium bromide (EDDA) was designed and synthesized in the laboratory, and the flotation performance of EDDA was investigated by micro-flotation and artificial mixed minerals experiments. When the EDDA concentration was 1.5 × 10−4 mol/L at pH 7, the grade of REO and the recovery with EDDA were 70.35 % and 88.45 %, respectively. While the grade of REO of NaOL and DDA were only 35.4 % and 44.15 %, indicating that EDDA has excellent selective collecting ability for bastnaesite. The contact angle test depicts that the hydrophobicity of bastnaesite surface enhances while the wettability of calcite surface almost unchanged. The adsorption mechanism was investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The analysis results indicate that EDDA adsorbs on the surface of bastnaesite through electrostatic and hydrogen bonding, and strengthened the surface hydrophobicity of bastnaesite instead of calcite. The study reports the feasibility of applying EDDA for the separation of bastnaesite from calcite.

Surface chemistry of xanthan gum interactions with bastnaesite and fluorite during flotation

Rare earth (RE) minerals are resources crucial to mining strategies. In particular, bastnaesite is a major mineral from which rare earth elements (REEs), especially light rare earth elements (LREEs), can be extracted. However, the separation of bastnaesite and fluorite via flotation is challenging owing to their similar physical and chemical properties. In this study, xanthan gum (XG) was evaluated as a novel depressant of bastnaesite and fluorite in an octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) system. The flotation behavior and surface chemistry by which the XG interacted with the bastnaesite and fluorite were investigated via analyses of micro-flotation tests, adsorption density measurements, zeta potentials, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). The micro-flotation results showed that the XG was an efficient selective depressant for the fluorite but had minimal impact on the bastnaesite. The results of the adsorption density and zeta potential analyses indicated that the adsorption of the XG occurred on both the bastnaesite and fluorite surfaces. They also indicated that the XG hindered the subsequent adsorption of the OHA on the surface of the fluorite, but the OHA was able to attach to the surface of the bastnaesite. The results of the FTIR and XPS analyses revealed that in the interaction between the XG and fluorite, chemical and hydrogen bonding adsorption occurred via complexation between the –COO- and –OH groups within the XG and the Ca or F sites on the surface of the fluorite, whereas only hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction occurred between the XG and bastnaesite surface. These results provide a more robust theoretical basis and sound guidance for the selection of effective depressants in the flotation separation of bastnaesite and fluorite.

Behavior and Mechanism of a Novel Hydrophobic Collector in the Flotation of Bastnaesite

In order to improve the recovery of rare earth elements, finding a collector with a strong selectivity ability had become the focus of research. In this paper, phenylpropyl hydroxamic acid (PHA) was used as a new hydrophobic surfactant collector for the separation of bastnaesite from calcite, and salicylic hydroxamic acid (SHA) was used as a reference collector. The results of a single mineral flotation test with SHA show that the reagent has good collection performance and selectivity. In addition, Zeta potential measurements and FTIR analysis show that PHA is adsorbed on the surface of bastnaesite by chemical adsorption, and the surface state of bastnaesite changes after PHA treatment. By XPS analysis, PHA interacts with Ce, and forms a Ce–O bond with Ce. It is speculated that the hydroxamic acid forms a five-element-chelated hydroxamic group with Ce on bastnaesite surface, so as to improve the hydrophobicity of bastnaesite, and make bastnaesite float more easily out of the pulp. According to DFT calculation, PHA has better adsorption capacity and stronger hydrophobicity than SHA, and shows superior electronic group capacity and chemical reactions that promote its flotation performance.