Copper-nickel Sulfide Research Articles

Investigation of serpentine entrainment reduction in pentlandite flotation using eco-friendly sodium alginate in suspension dispersion systems

Magnesium silicates pose severe environmental issues in hydrometallurgical processes. Copper-nickel sulfide ores are the primary source for nickel production, but their increasingly complex properties make separation difficult, causing slimy magnesium silicate minerals to be entrained into the concentrate with the foam, leading to magnesium contamination. Studies have found that sodium alginate (SA), as an environmentally friendly polymer reagent, can effectively inhibit serpentine. This work investigates the effect of SA on the flotation behavior of pentlandite and serpentine in a sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) system. Sedimentation tests show that only a low dosage of SA can effectively settle serpentine, while excessive SA disperses serpentine. Flotation tests indicate that SA can further increase the difference in recovery rates between pentlandite and serpentine based on SHMP. Results from artificial mixed ore tests demonstrate that the recovery rate of serpentine decreases from 51.22% to 37.37% with the addition of SA, with minimal impact on the recovery rate of pentlandite. To explain the impact of the SA adsorption process on the mineral states, the following tests and analyses were conducted: TOC and QCM-D results indicate that SA mainly adsorbs onto serpentine, forming rigid adsorption at low dosages and flexible adsorption at high dosages. Zeta potential tests reveal changes in the surface potential of the minerals, explaining the transition from electrostatic attraction to electrostatic repulsion between pentlandite and serpentine. FTIR and XPS results show that SA chemically reacts with the Mg and Si sites on the serpentine surface through its -COO- groups. In summary, in the SHMP system, the use of gel adsorption and the chemical interaction of SA to coagulate and depress serpentine reduces its entrainment into the concentrate, achieving efficient separation of pentlandite and serpentine. However, high dosages of SA do not yield satisfactory results.

Analysis of Operational Control Data and Development of a Predictive Model of the Content of the Target Component in Melting Products

The relevance of this research is due to the need to stabilize the composition of the melting products of copper–nickel sulfide raw materials. Statistical methods of analyzing the historical data of the real technological object and the correlation analysis of process parameters are described. Factors that exert the greatest influence on the main output parameter (the fraction of copper in a matte) and ensure the physical–chemical transformations are revealed: total charge rate, overall blast volume, oxygen content in the blast (degree of oxygen enrichment in the blowing), temperature of exhaust gases in the off-gas duct, temperature of feed in the smelting zone, copper content in the matte. An approach to the processing of real-time data for the development of a mathematical model for control of the melting process is proposed. The stages of processing of the real-time information are considered. The adequacy of the models was assessed by the value of the mean absolute error (MAE) between the calculated and experimental values.

Characteristics and Deep Mineralization Prediction of the Langmuri Copper–Nickel Sulfide Deposit in the Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Belt, China

The discovery of a Cu-Ni sulfide deposit in Langmuri of the Eastern Kunlun Orogenic Belt holds significant geological implications. This study, based on the examination of the metallogenic geological body, metallogenic structure, and metallogenic process characteristics, suggests that the deposit is a magmatic Cu-Ni sulfide deposit formed in the collision of orogenic and post-extension processes of the Late Ordovician. The early mineralization of the deposit was primarily derived from the differentiation of sulfides in the mafic–ultramafic rock (450–439 Ma) of the Late Ordovician, while the late-stage mineralization underwent significant superimposed modification by the magmatic–hydrothermal activity of crustal-contaminated biotite granite (415 Ma). In addition, this article analyzes the measurements of the geochemical studies of sediments, and the magnetic and gravity measurements carried out in the area, focusing on the geochemical and geophysical anomaly characteristics in the study area, and selects favorable exploration areas, which have been confirmed to have multiple mineral bodies. By integrating comprehensive gravity, magnetic, induced polarization, and audio-frequency magnetotelluric profile measurements, this study analyzes delineated mineralized zones and the deep extensions of surface mineral bodies to assess deep mineralization potential and identify deep ore-finding targets. It suggests that diverse and scattered mafic–ultramafic complexes in the Langmuri mining area have a large-scale distribution of ore-bearing rocks in the deep. Through the analysis and inverse of the geophysical data, a deep mineralization predictive model was established in the basic–ultrabasic rock mass. The study presents prospects for the delineation of the deep-seated mineralization in the Langmuri deposit.

Determination of S, Ni, Cu in copper-nickel sulfide ores by total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis: experience of participation in the interlaboratory comparisons

The quality of the determination of S, Ni, Cu in copper-nickel sulfide ores was assessed in the framework of the program for interlaboratory comparative tests (ICT) using total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis (TXRF) taking into account the criteria for methods for determining the chemical composition of mineral raw materials. Certified TXRF techniques for the analysis of mineral materials are absent, so the interlaboratory comparison test was used to control and improve the accuracy of measurements by TXRF. Powdered ore samples were prepared as suspensions by wet grinding: 100 mg of the powder, 4 ml of ultra-pure water and 250 μl of the Ga standard solution were milled using 20 g of ZrO2 balls 1 mm in diameter in the mixing mill for 10 minutes at a frequency of 20 Hz. The ratio of the intensities of the characteristic lines of the analyzed elements and the Ga internal standard was chosen as an analytical signal. To plot calibration curves, a set of ore reference samples was analyzed using certified procedures (atomic absorption spectrometry for Cu, Ni, gravimetry for S). The quality of the TXRF analysis was assessed by the value of Z-criterion. The measurement error did not exceed 5 rel. %. The relative percentage differences between the TXRF results and the results obtained in the interlaboratory study was less than 10%. The described method can be used for rapid analysis of copper-nickel sulfide ores.

Microwave Treatment of Copper–Nickel Sulfide Ore for Promotion of Grinding and Flotation

The effect of microwave treatment on the grinding and flotation performance of a typical copper–nickel sulfide ore was evaluated, based on the determination of its microwave absorption capability, grinding and flotation indexes such as crack percentage, mineral liberation degree, particle size distribution, relative work index (RWI), metal enrichment ratio and recovery. There were obvious differences between the microwave absorption capabilities of the main minerals in the ore, as demonstrated by their different microwave penetration depths. They also induced temperature differences between sulfide minerals and gangue minerals which could reach 418 °C after microwave treatment for 20 s. It was shown that microwave treatment could effectively improve the grindability of the ore, as proven by the increase in fine particles smaller than 0.074 mm and the decrease in RWI after grinding due to the higher crack percentage and mineral liberation degree. Moreover, microwave treatment affected the ore floatability because of the generation of cuprite, retgersite, and rozenite with poor floatability when the treatment time was extended. By microwave treatment for a proper time, 20 s, an optimal balance between the grindability and flotation performance could be achieved. Compared with the untreated ore, the RWI of the ore decreased by 11.5%. After flotation, the Cu and Ni enrichment ratios of the flotation concentrate increased by 0.3 and 0.2, respectively. Meanwhile, their corresponding recoveries increased by 4.2% and 3.1%. This study provides new insights for the treatment of copper–nickel sulfide ore to enhance the grinding and flotation process.

Designing intimately interconnected neuron-shaped nickel-copper(I) sulfide nanocomposites as cathode material for supercapacitors

Nanostructured transition metal sulfides have attracted significant attention as pseudocapacitance materials owing to their high specific capacitance and improved conductivity compared to oxides. Bimetallic nickel‑copper(I) (NiCu) sulfides are promising candidates for use in asymmetric supercapacitors because of their high specific capacitance, wide voltage range, and high conductivity. In this study, we synthesize neuron-shaped Ni-Cu(I) sulfide nanocomposites with intimate interconnectivity via the sulfidation and ion exchange of Ni-Cu(I) carbonate hydroxide, prepared by a straightforward hydrothermal process. The product's unique structure, featuring a neuronal network, exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1226.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and an excellent cycling stability (88.97 % capacitance retention after 5000 cycles), which is attributed to the coexistence of bimetallic components and an inherently interconnected neuron-shaped configuration that prevents structural collapse and self-aggregation, while providing easy electrolyte accessibility. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor with a Ni-Cu(I) sulfide cathode material demonstrates a maximum power and energy densities of 9000 W kg−1 and 23.99 Wh kg−1, respectively, with an initial capacity retention rate of 83.69 % after 5000 cycles. The distinctive structural features of Ni-Cu(I) sulfides enhance the energy storage capabilities of the nanomaterials, enabling the development of portable electronic devices.

Sedimentary and metamorphic processes priming black shale for magmatic assimilation of sulfur: an example from the Virginia Formation, Minnesota, United States

AbstractThe copper-nickel(-platinum-group element) sulfide resources of the Duluth Complex, Minnesota, USA, formed by assimilation of sulfur from the Virginia Formation black shale. In the normal black shale of the Virginia Formation, sulfur is mainly hosted in disseminated pyrite, whereas mm-scale pyrrhotite laminae dominate in the sulfur-rich Bedded Pyrrhotite Unit. The Bedded Pyrrhotite Unit was the main supply of sulfur in some of the magmatic sulfide deposits but its origin has not been studied in detail. Using Raman spectroscopy, we show that the carbonaceous material within the regionally metamorphosed normal black shale is graphitized biogenic material. The Bedded Pyrrhotite Unit contains pyrobitumen that represents residues of oil that accumulated to porous horizons, which formed due to dissolution of precursor sedimentary clasts. Replacement of the clasts by quartz and sulfides facilitated the formation of the pyrrhotite laminae of the Bedded Pyrrhotite Unit, which likely occurred during regional metamorphism.The pyrite-bearing normal black shale experienced loss of H2O, Corg, and sulfur during devolatilization caused by the Duluth Complex. The contact-metamorphosed Bedded Pyrrhotite Unit shows no systematic depletion of volatiles and is the most Corg and sulfur-rich part of the Virginia Formation. During devolatilization, sulfur was preserved because unlike pyrite, pyrrhotite was stable. Consequently, magmatic assimilation of sulfur from the Bedded Pyrrhotite Unit required partial melting. Retrograde hydration introduced H2O, and possibly Corg, and sulfur, to the contact-metamorphosed Bedded Pyrrhotite Unit, which further affected the volatile budget. Our findings highlight why constraining diagenetic and regional metamorphic processes is important to understand magma-sediment interaction processes.

Upgrading of talc-bearing copper-nickel sulfide ore by froth flotation using sodium phytate as depressant

Copper-nickel sulfide ores, as important sources of copper and nickel metals, always have large amount of clay-type gangue minerals like talc. In this work, selective flotation of copper-nickel sulfide ore was achieved by using a selective depressant of sodium phytate. Microscale flotation results show that sodium phytate can selectively and effectively depress talc flotation, but has a minor effect on the floatability of chalcopyrite and pentlandite. In batch-scale flotation tests of feed ore, containing 0.35% Cu, 0.68% Ni and 24.57% MgO, potassium butyl xanthate was employed as the collector in rougher (200 g/t), scavenger-1 (100 g/t), scavenger-2 (50 g/t) and scavenger-3 (25 g/t), and sodium phytate depressant was used in rougher (300 g/t) and cleaner-1 (100 g/t) stages of closed-circuit flotation to obtain a concentrate containing 2.66% Cu (79.7% recovery), 5.38% Ni (83.01% recovery), and only 6.39% MgO. The contact angle analysis showed that sodium phytate significantly improved the hydrophilicity of talc, but it only slightly increased the hydrophilicity of chalcopyrite and nickelpyrite. The FTIR and XPS tests showed that chemisorption of sodium phytate occurred on talc surface by the interaction between P-O/PO and Mg active sites. This work indicates that sodium phytate has strong potential as an inhibitor for the selective separation of talc from copper-nickel sulfide ores.

Understanding the distribution of noble metals during oxidizing smelting of copper-nickel sulphide concentrate in bubbling mode

Understanding the distribution of noble metals during oxidizing smelting of copper-nickel sulphide concentrate in bubbling mode

Fabrication of nickel-copper sulfide nanoparticles decorated on metal-organic framework composite for supercapacitor application by hydrothermal process

Due to their flexible porous structure, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have a lot of potential as materials for making electrodes for next-generation supercapacitors. The current study is about making controlled syntheses of NiCuS and NiCuS@MOFs composites from nickel and copper precursors, as well as 2-MeI and BDC ligands using ultrasonication to help the hydrothermal process. The fabricated composite materials were characterized by Raman, XRD, FTIR, XPS, and HR-TEM analysis for confirmation of structural and morphological properties. The fabricated composite electrode showed excellent specific capacitance of 535 F g− 1 at 0.5 A/g (three electrode configuration) and 122 F g− 1 at 0.5 A/g (symmetric configuration) and cyclic retention (86.5 %) up to 8000 cycles in the presence of 1 M KOH electrolyte. Furthermore, the fabricated composite electrode (NiCuS@MOF-BDC/SSC) via two electrode configurations showed an energy density of E = 15.82 kh/kg and a power density of P = 9316 kW/kg and excellent cyclic stability and retention. The improved electrochemical performances of the electrode materials were due to the surface, morphological, porous nature, and synergistic effect of the composite structure via the ultrasonication-hydrothermal reaction process. Therefore, the fabricated composite samples were found to have great potential for electrochemical supercapacitor applications.

Pyrite copper nickel sulfide for stable hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media

The alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction is a promising solution to meet future energy demand due to the sustainable production of hydrogen via water electrolysis. The development of copper nickel sulfide (CuNiS) electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) relies on robust active sites without degradation. However, the performance of CuNiS depends on the nature of sulfur precursors and complexing agents since the copper and sulfur oxidation states determine the adsorption and release of H2. The CuNiS synthesized with thioacetamide and 3-mercaptopropionic acid as sulfur source and complexing agent, respectively, at 100°C for 10h delivered a lower overpotential of −96 mV to achieve a current density of −10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH electrolyte. The positive and negative shifts in binding energy peaks of Ni and S, respectively, caused charge redistribution and charge transfer between metals and S. The transfer of electrons from Ni to Cu atoms decreases the hydrogen binding energy and accelerates the Had desorption process, which leads to the subsequent formation of H2. Moreover, the negative shift in S improves the electron occupation, which helps with proton adsorption and the release of H2.

Metasomatized mantle facilitates the genesis of magmatic nickel–copper sulfide deposits in orogenic belts: A copper isotope perspective

The role of metasomatized mantle in the genesis of magmatic Ni–Cu sulfide deposits in orogenic belts remains vigorously debated. The greatest challenge in clarifying uncertainties is how to track the behavior of metals during metasomatic processes in the mantle. Copper isotopes can shed new light on this enigmatic topic as the transfer of Cu during metasomatic processes can significantly fractionate Cu isotopes. In this regard, we have characterized the Cu isotope and trace-element compositions of fertile and barren mafic–ultramafic intrusions, and coeval basalts in the Eastern Tianshan, Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Fertile mafic–ultramafic intrusions are characterized by elevated and highly variable Ba/Nb (40–756, average of 172) and Ba/La (16–219, average of 48) ratios, and exhibit δ65Cu values (−0.97 ‰ to +0.57 ‰) that vary over 1.54 ‰. In contrast, barren intrusions and coeval Permian basalts are characterized by relatively low and invariable Ba/Nb (2–95, average of 29) and Ba/La (0.9–26, average of 8) ratios, and have δ65Cu values that are comparatively less variable (−0.06 ‰ to +0.49 ‰ for δ65Cu) and more similar to bulk silicate Earth (BSE, δ65Cu = 0.06 ± 0.20 ‰). The difference in Cu isotope compositions of fertile and barren intrusions, alongside the variability in Ba enrichment, suggests that a high degree of mantle metasomatism promotes the fertilization of primary magmas in metals and, thus, represents one of the first stages in the development of magmatic Ni–Cu sulfide deposits in convergent margins.

Synthesis of CNTs Doped Nickel Copper-Sulfides Composite Electrode Material for High-Performance Battery-Supercapacitor Hybrid Device

The hybrid supercapacitor combines the outstanding energy density characteristics of batteries with the remarkable durability and unique power characteristics of supercapacitors (SCs). Herein, a hydrothermal technique was applied to produce nickel-copper sulfide (NiCuS), which was later physically embedded into carbon nanotubes. In this study, a three and two electrode measurement systems were studied. To confirm the battery type nature of the electrode materials, a three-electrode assembly was used. For hybrid device, a two-electrode measurement scheme was employed. In the three-electrode setup, the NiCuS@CNT composite revealed a superior specific capacity (Qs) of 1110.0 C g−1. The NiCuS@CNT//AC nanocomposite based hybrid device established a remarkable Qs of 620.9 C g−1. Additionally, the NiCuS@CNT//AC exhibited a remarkable energy density (Ed) of 29.5 Wh kg−1 and a power density (Pd) of 2165.0 W kg−1.This composite material is distinguished for its remarkable capacity retention, maintaining an amazing 88.2% of its capacity after 8000 cycles. This emphasizes its continued stability and the possibility of having a longer operating lifespan. By advancing energy storage technologies, this dynamic integration might provide brand-new, exciting opportunities.

New data on the types of sulfide copper-nickel ores of the Kharaelakh trough and the main patterns of their distribution

The types of magmatic sulfide ores on the Western flank of the Oktyabrsky deposit have been studied, and the patterns of their distribution have been established. The features of ore-bearing rocks within the western branch of the Kharayelakh intrusive Talnakh ore field have been studied. The morphology of ore bodies is described and mineralogical characteristics of ore types in the western part of the Kharaelakh intrusion are given according to drilling data of recent years. The data of earlier studies on the types of ores and their spatial placement on the flanks of the Oktyabrsky deposit are summarized and confirmed. The main patterns of spatial distribution, composition and morphology of copper-nickel sulfide ore deposits on the western flank of the Oktyabrsky deposit are identified, which can be used as search criteria for further geological exploration.

Application of inverse gas chromatography to bench scale flotation of sulphide ore

ABSTRACT Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) is receiving increasing attention due to its high precision and ease of application in determining various characteristics of a wide variety of materials of different shapes and morphologies. This study details an experimental investigation into the application of the IGC technique to the flotation of sulphide minerals. Rather than giving the surface energy, the trends associated with the various concentrates and tailings are described. Bench-scale flotation experiments of a nickel-copper sulphide ore were conducted in a Denver flotation cell. The IGC analyses were carried out on the timed concentrates, as well as on the final tailings, in order to evaluate the correlation between surface energetics and the flotation response of the ore particles. The results indicated that the floatability of the concentrates was directly related to the surface energy of the particles. Both dispersive and specific components of surface free energy increased by increasing the necessary time for the particles to be floated, which was consistent with the obtained values for the work of adhesion to water. However, the flotation response of the tailings was not consistent with the expectations from the surface energy value. The significance of the sample composition, particle size distribution, and their consequences in surface energy-flotation response relationship were also observed.

Exploratory studies on total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry combined with slurry sampling for the multi-element analysis of copper-nickel sulfide ore

Major and trace elements in polymetallic minerals are crucial subjects of study in ore geology.

Deep Learning for 3-D Magnetic Inversion

The difficulty of 3D magnetic inversion is to use 2D magnetic anomaly data to obtain 3D magnetic susceptibility structure. The contribution of the underground medium to the magnetic anomaly decreases rapidly with the increase of the depth, which leads to the rapid attenuation of the inversion resolution with the depth. In this paper, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is applied to 3D magnetic inversion to predict the susceptibility model corresponding to magnetic anomaly. The inversion network built in this paper uses the method of down-sampling in the encoder to increase the receptive field and realize the feature extraction of magnetic anomaly data. In the decoder, attention fusion modules are added to fuse feature maps from different sources. Finally, we added a 3D refiner behind the decoder. The 3D refiner converts the 2D feature map from the decoder into 3D data. Based on the typical complex medium theory, this paper constructs a diverse sample set of complex 3D susceptibility models. The inversion experiment of synthetic data verifies the feasibility and versatility of the proposed network. Compared with the other methods, the distribution of susceptibility prediction obtained by our method is more accurate and more reliable in determining the magnetic body boundary. In the field example of Jinchuan Copper-nickel sulfide deposit in China, the network constructed in this paper can achieve high-precision 3D underground susceptibility imaging in this area. The susceptibility distribution is in good agreement with the borehole data and the proved deposit distribution.

Interfacial and Vacancies Engineering of Copper Nickel Sulfide for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction and Alcohols Oxidation Activity

Rational design and construction of highly efficient nonprecious electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and alcohols oxidation reactions (ORR, AOR) are extremely vital for the development of direct oxidation alkaline fuel cells, metal‐air batteries, and water electrolysis system involving hydrogen and value‐added organic products generation, but they remain a great challenge. Herein, a bifunctional electrocatalyst is prepared by anchoring CuS/NiS2 nanoparticles with abundant heterointerfaces and sulfur vacancies on graphene (Cu1Ni2‐S/G) for ORR and AOR. Benefiting from the synergistic effects between strong interfacial coupling and regulation of the sulfur vacancies, Cu1Ni2‐S/G achieves dramatically enhanced ORR activity with long term stability. Meanwhile, when ethanol is utilized as an oxidant for AOR, an ultralow potential (1.37 V) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 is achieved, simultaneously delivering a high Faradaic efficiency of 96% for ethyl acetate production. Cu1Ni2‐S/G also exhibits catalytic activity for other alcohols electrooxidation process, indicating its multifunctionality. This work not only highlights a viable strategy for tailoring catalytic activity through the synergetic combination of interfacial and vacancies engineering, but also opens up new avenues for the construction of a self‐driven biomass electrocatalysis system for the generation of value‐added organic products and hydrogen under ambient conditions.

Realizing Favorable Synergism Toward Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction with Heterojunction Engineered Cu7S4/CuS2/NiS2 and Functionalized Carbon Sheet Heterostructures

AbstractElectrochemical hydrogen generation via water splitting is the greenest approach toward the hydrogen economy. To satisfy the practical utilization, the electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) must be of low cost with high catalytic activity. Accordingly, transition metal based electrocatalysts have attracted significant research interest. Herein, this work demonstrates an efficient HER electrocatalyst based on copper nickel sulfide (CNS), and Agaricus bisporus biomass derived functionalized carbon (FMCs) based nanocomposites, where the CNS are in situ hydrothermally grown in presence of FMCs. First, the effect of solvent (water, ethylene glycol, and glycerol) on the phase and crystallinity of CNS and their performance as HER electrocatalyst in acidic medium are demonstrated. The CNS heterojunction synthesized in aqueous medium (CNSW) shows the best HER catalytic activity with 269 mV (at 10 mA cm−2) overpotential and corresponding Tafel slope of 146.86 mV dec−1. Further, while the FMCs possess no catalytic activity itself, its control presence in the nanocomposites CNSW/FMCs nanocomposites caused a dramatic reduction in the HER overpotential (180 mV@10 mA cm−2) and the corresponding Tafel slope (78.71 mV dec−1). Notably, where the nonlayered metal sulfides generally are unstable in acidic medium, the synergistic interaction between the CNSW and FMCs enables stable catalytic activity for the measured 10 h.

The effects of ultrasonic wave on heterogeneous coagulation and flotation separation of pentlandite-serpentine

It is well known that in the flotation of copper-nickel sulfide ore, pentlandite and serpentine are easy to form hetero-aggregation, which makes it difficult to separate them. Therefore, dispersion operation is indispensable, including chemical and physical dispersion. Chemical dispersion is usually achieved by adding dispersing reagents, which is widely used in mineral flotation, while the study of ultrasonic dispersion in copper-nickel sulfide ores in physical dispersion is less reported. Thus ultrasonic dispersion technology was introduced to weaken the hetero-aggregation and to improve the floatability of pentlandite. Through the implementation of a series of conditional tests of influence factors including ultrasonic site, ultrasonic probe type, ultrasonic time, and ultrasonic power, the optimum ultrasonic dispersion system was demined, and the results showed that the ultrasonic power was the key factor affecting the dispersion of pentlandite-serpentine. Then the dispersion mechanism of ultrasonic was revealed by means of supernatant turbidity measurements, particle-size distribution (PSD) analyses, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM) in succession. Coupled with supernatant turbidity measurements, PSD analyses and SEM images of flotation concentrates all confirmed that the ultra-fine serpentine particles coating on the coarse pentlandite particles were effectively dispersed. AFM analyses depicted the morphological changes of surface roughness treated by different ultrasonic power, and confirmed that the ultrasonic power of 200 W could increase the surface roughness and floatability of pentlandite but decrease that of serpentine. Thus, the difference in floatability between the two minerals were enlarged so as to achieve efficient separation of the two minerals. The results of this research are helpful to understand clearly the mechanism of ultrasonic dispersion of pentlandite-serpentine, which provides an alternative dispersion technology and exhibits great potential for further study and application.