Zeta potential study of the oxidation of copper sulfide minerals

The zeta potential of the copper sulfide minerals, chalcocite, covellite, chalcopyrite, bornite, enargite and tennantite was measured as a function of pH and oxidising conditions. The changes in zeta potential observed in this study are consistent with the presence of a copper hydroxide layer covering a metal-deficient sulfur-rich surface and with the extent of this copper hydroxide coverage increasing with oxidation conditions. The existence of these surface species and their percentage were also confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Analysis of the zeta potential data revealed that during the acid titration of the minerals, dissolution of the surface copper hydroxide layer occurs at pH values less than 8 while during the base titration, precipitation of copper hydroxide on the mineral surface is observed at pH values higher than 6. Hysteresis between the zeta potential acid and base titration curves was only observed in oxidising conditions and is attributed to the dissolution of the minerals at acidic pH values. The following ranking for the oxidation of these minerals is obtained: chalcocite>tennantite>enargite>bornite>covellite>chalcopyrite.     

A chemical, morphological, and electrochemical (XPS, SEM/EDX, CV, and EIS) analysis of electrochemically modified electrode surfaces of natural chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) and pyrite (FeS2) in alkaline solutions

Electrodic surfaces of natural chalcopyrite and natural pyrite minerals (El Teniente mine, Chile) have been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy including microanalysis (SEM/EDX). For comparison, fractured and polished mineral surfaces were also studied by XPS. In both electrodes, the formation of Fe(III) species containing oxygen were detected and Cu(II) species containing oxygen were additionally detected for chalcopyrite at advanced oxidation states. The presence of Cu(II) species containing oxygen was not detected by XPS for the initial oxidation states of the chalcopyrite. For pyrite, the present results do not allow confirmation of the presence of polysulfurs such as have been previously proposed. In both minerals, the measurements of SEM and EDX show relevant alterations in the respective surfaces when different potential values were applied. The chalcopyrite surface shows the formation of protrusions with a high concentration of oxygen. The pyrite surface shows a layer of modified material with high oxygen content. The modifications detected by XPS, SEM, and EDX allowed the explanation of the complexity of the equivalent circuit used to simulate the experimental EIS data. At high oxidation states, both minerals showed a pseudoinductive loop in the equivalent circuit, which was due to the active electrodissolution of the minerals which takes place through a surface film previously formed.     

Measurement of reaction enthalpy during pressure oxidation of sulphide minerals

A calorimetric method for determining the enthalpy of the aqueous oxidation of sulfide minerals at high temperatures and oxygen pressures has been developed and evaluated under conditions relevant to industrial pressure oxidation operations. This information is important for heat balance calculation and optimization of the pressure reactor design. Experiments were carried out on a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) with a commercial mixing cell. Enthalpy measured during oxidative dissolution of pyrite (Valdenegrillos, Spain), pentlandite with pyrrhotite (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada) and impure chalcopyrite (Victoria, Australia) minerals at 150°C and partial oxygen pressures of 3.4 and 5.5 MPa have been performed and found to be consistent with theoretical estimations.     

氧气在阴极的电还原及其应用研究进展

本文综述了氧阴极电还原的研究进展，着重介绍了阴极表面修饰对该过程的影响以及氧阴极电还原在有机物电合成与废水处理方面的研究进展。     

硫化物矿物LA-ICP-MS激光剥蚀元素信号响应

采用193 nm ArF准分子激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体质谱(LA-ICP-MS)对5种天然硫化物矿物进行激光剥蚀分析, 基于不同硫化物矿物的剥蚀形貌特征和元素瞬时信号响应, 考察了硫化物矿物的元素分馏效应及激光频率、能量和激光斑径对硫化物矿物激光剥蚀行为的影响. 结果表明, 不同硫化物矿物的激光剥蚀形貌和元素分馏效应存在明显差异, 其中黄铁矿、辉钼矿和闪锌矿的剥蚀晕约为剥蚀斑径的10倍, 而黄铜矿和磁黄铁矿的剥蚀晕约为剥蚀斑径的14倍; 黄铜矿、磁黄铁矿和闪锌矿元素分馏因子(EFI)约为1.0, 其元素分馏效应可以忽略, 而黄铁矿和辉钼矿存在明显的元素分馏效应. 在对硫化物矿物的LA-ICP-MS分析中, 选择较大的激光剥蚀斑径、较小的激光剥蚀频率与激光能量可获得理想的信号强度和准确的分析结果.     

Polarographic studies of chemical reactions preceding electron transfer (review)

The review is dedicated to theory and experimental applications of polarography for studies of consecutive and parallel chemical reactions preceding electron transfer and occurring in the bulk or surface (adsorption) reaction layers. The methodology of finding kinetic and equilibrium parameters including formal potentials is presented. The following chemical reactions are considered: (1) protonation of anions of benzene polycarboxylic acids; (2) dehydration (decyclization) and protonation of carbonyl compounds; (3) proton exchange between mixed solvent molecules; (4) formaldehyde-amine interaction; (5) complexation with the ligand catalyzing electroreduction of metal ions; (6) dissociation of metal complexes; (7) formation of deposits of metal hydroxides with parallel oxygen reduction.     

Physicochemical Modeling of Sulfide Oxidation Processes in Tailing Dumps of the Kavalerovsky District and Their Impact on the Hydrosphere (Primorsky Krai)

Oxidation of tailings in the tailing dump of Vysokogorskoe deposit (Kavalerovsky district) in the temperature range from 0 to +45°C was simulated with successive exclusion of each of the sulfide minerals present therein (pyrite, pyrrhotite, galena, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, and chalcopyrite). The Eh-pH parameters for anthropogenic mineral formation were determined at different host rock–sulfide ratios (95: 5, 90: 10, 80: 20, 60: 40, 40: 60, 20: 80) in the tailings. Crystallization of supergene minerals was analyzed, qualitative and quantitative ionic compositions of solutions were determined, and their impact on the hydrosphere was assessed.     

Potentiometric determination of ascorbic acid in water–acetonitrile solution using pyrite and chalcopyrite electrodes

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - Performance characteristics of the solid-state potentiometric sensors, based on natural sulfide minerals pyrite and chalcopyrite, are assayed in aqueous...     

Oxygen electroreduction through a superoxide intermediate on bi-modified Au surfaces

The mechanism of the electroreduction of oxygen on bare and Bi-submonolayer-modified Au(111) surfaces is examined using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements along with detailed density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The spectroscopy reveals the presence of superoxide-level species at potentials where oxygen is reduced. These species are not present in solutions absent either oxygen or Bi at these potentials. The spectroscopy also reveals the presence of Bi-OH species which are associated with peroxide reduction. Detailed calculations show oxygen associates much more strongly with Bi in the (2 x 2) configuration on Au(111) relative to the bare Au surface. Additionally, the O-O bond is elongated following O2 association, which follows as a consequence of Bi-O bond formation and partial oxidation of the Bi adatom. These results show for the first time that the four-electron electroreduction of oxygen electroreduction occurs via a series pathway on the Bi-modified surface in acid solution.     

Selective separation of pyrite and chalcopyrite by biomodulation

Selective separation of pyrite from other associated ferrous sulphides at acidic and neutral pH has been a challenging problem. This paper discusses the utility of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans for the selective flotation of chalcopyrite from pyrite. Consequent to interaction with bacterial cells, pyrite remained depressed even in the presence of potassium isopropyl xanthate collector while chalcopyrite exhibited significant flotability. However, when the minerals were conditioned together, the selectivity achieved was poor due to the activation of pyrite surface by the copper ions in solution. The selectivity was improved when the sequence of conditioning with bacterial cells and collector was reversed, since the bacterial cells were able to depress collector interacted pyrite effectively, while having negligible effect on chalcopyrite. The observed behaviour is analysed and discussed in detail. The separation obtained was significant both at acidic and alkaline pH. This selectivity achieved was retained when the minerals were interacted with both bacterial cells and collector simultaneously.     

Synthesis,characterization and properties of 3,3′-diethyl-1,1′-oxydiethylenedicarbonyl bis(thiourea)

In this paper, 3,3′-diethyl-1,1′-oxydiethylenedicarbonyl bis(thiourea) (DEOECTU), was synthesized by phase transfer catalysis and then characterized by UV, elemental analysis, infrared spectra, mass spectrum, ¹H NMR and TGA. DEOECTU properties, such as response to metal ions, adsorption on sulfide mineral surfaces, and hydrometallurgical performance as flotation collectors, were also investigated. The results indicated that DEOECTU reacted chemically with Cu²⁺ ions through its S and N atoms in the C(=S)–NH–C(=O) group to form a new chelate compound, but no reaction of DEOECTU with Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Fe³⁺ or Fe²⁺ ions was observed. The results of adsorption and flotation experiments demonstrated, that compared to pyrite, sphalerite and galena, DEOECTU exhibited a superior collecting power for chalcopyrite and might attach on chalcopyrite surface by chemisorption. The further theoretical analysis from Pearson’s HSAB view point briefly explained the experimental results of the selective response of DEOECTU to Cu²⁺ ions and chalcopyrite.     

Utilization of Solutions after the Electrosynthesis of 4-Aminodiphenylamine

The electroreduction of technological solutions of a sodium salt of 4-nitrosodiphenylamine with a continuous extraction of formed 4-aminodiphenylamine into a water-immiscible solvent and a separation of the latter, leaves a solution containing alkali, sodium chloride, methanol, and admixtures of the initial and target compounds. Freed from the methanol, the solution may serve as anolyte in the salt electroreduction, instead of an alkali solution used for the purpose. The most suitable anode material is titanium covered with platinum or iridium. Anodically treated solutions are colorless and contain no initial and target substances but include oxygen compounds of chlorine. The formation of the compounds may be avoided by introducing 10^–4 M Co²⁺ into solution. The ions may be used repeatedly.     

Electrooxidation of Pentlandite in a Carbonate Solution

Electrooxidation of pentlandite in a carbonate solution involves the formation of surface sulfide minerals of nickel and iron of variable composition, sulfur, and iron and nickel hydroxides. In parallel, sulfide sulfur oxidizes in a narrow potential range to sulfate ions.     

Kinetics and Mechanism of Zn(II) Ions Electroreduction Catalyzed by Organic Compounds

The paper describes the results of the studies of organic substances catalytic activity on Zn(II) ions electroreduction on mercury in perchlorate solutions. Zn(II) ions electroreduction in the presence of catalyzing substance proceeds in two one‐electron stages. The first electron transfer is the stage determining the process rate. All catalyzing substances increase the rate of first electron transfer. The acceleration effect is connected with the stability of active complexes formed on the electrode surface. The rate of the second electron transfer depends mainly on the adsorption of the catalyzing substance on the electrode surface – of the surface excess and the structure of the adsorption layer. Hence the second electron transfer can be inhibited or catalyzed. The mechanism of the organic substance catalytic activity is also given.     

A review of the fundamental studies of the copper activation mechanisms for selective flotation of the sulfide minerals, sphalerite and pyrite

A review of the considerable, but often contradictory, literature examining the specific surface reactions associated with copper adsorption onto the common metal sulfide minerals sphalerite, (Zn,Fe)S, and pyrite (FeS(2)), and the effect of the co-location of the two minerals is presented. Copper "activation", involving the surface adsorption of copper species from solution onto mineral surfaces to activate the surface for hydrophobic collector attachment, is an important step in the flotation and separation of minerals in an ore. Due to the complexity of metal sulfide mineral containing systems this activation process and the emergence of activation products on the mineral surfaces are not fully understood for most sulfide minerals even after decades of research. Factors such as copper concentration, activation time, pH, surface charge, extent of pre-oxidation, water and surface contaminants, pulp potential and galvanic interactions are important factors affecting copper activation of sphalerite and pyrite. A high pH, the correct reagent concentration and activation time and a short time delay between reagent additions is favourable for separation of sphalerite from pyrite. Sufficient oxidation potential is also needed (through O(2) conditioning) to maintain effective galvanic interactions between sphalerite and pyrite. This ensures pyrite is sufficiently depressed while sphalerite floats. Good water quality with low concentrations of contaminant ions, such as Pb(2+)and Fe(2+), is also needed to limit inadvertent activation and flotation of pyrite into zinc concentrates. Selectivity can further be increased and reagent use minimised by opting for inert grinding and by carefully choosing selective pyrite depressants such as sulfoxy or cyanide reagents. Studies that approximate plant conditions are essential for the development of better separation techniques and methodologies. Improved experimental approaches and surface sensitive techniques with high spatial resolution are needed to precisely verify surface structures formed after copper activation. Sphalerite and pyrite surfaces are characterised by varying amounts of steps and defects, and this heterogeneity suggests co-existence of more than one copper-sulfide structure after activation.     

Mechanism of electroreduction of cobalt(II) in thiocyanate solutions at mercury electrodes

The process of electroreduction of cobalt(II) in thiocyanate solutions at mercury electrodes has been investigated by cyclic voltammetric, chronoamperometric and polarographic methods. The influences of pH, the concentrations of Co(II) and SCN^?, and the reduction products of SCN^?, CN^? and S^2? on the reduction waves are described. The polarographic pre-wave is an autocatalytic in nature. A mechanism involving an initial reduction of Co(II)—SCN^? at a mercury electrode followed by the chemical reduction of thiocyanate ion with the electroreduced metallic cobalt, and taking into account cyanide, sulfide, and hydroxide ions, the latter being produced by the hydrolysis of cyanide ion, is presented. Cobalt sulfide adsorbed at the electrode surface stimulates further reduction of Co(II)—CN^? and —SCN^? complexes, and depresses the interfering influence of Co(OH)₂, which is reductively desorbed from the electrode surface with giving rise to an additional peak near ?1.08 V vs. SCE.     

Azo Derivatives of Phenol and 1-Naphthol as Flotation Collector of Sulfide Ore of Non-Ferrous Metals

Nine heterocyclic and aromatic azo derivatives of phenol and 1-naphthol were studied as flotation collectors of sulfide ores of non-ferrous metals. The constants of acid dissociation of compounds in aqueous solutions and their solubility in alkaline media are determined. It has been established that the adsorption of reagents on the surface of sulfide copper-nickel ore has a physical character. The adsorption constants are calculated. It is shown that the reagents under study exhibit collective properties with respect to the sulfide minerals of copper, cobalt and nickel. The use of mixtures of azo compounds with potassium butyl xanthate leads to an increase in both the recovery degree and the quality of the concentrate for nickel and copper in comparison with a single butyl xanthate.     

Voltammetric and drift spectroscopy investigation in dithiophosphinate-chalcopyrite system

The mechanism of dithiophosphinate (DTPI) adsorption on chalcopyrite was investigated by diffuse reflectance Fourier transformation (DRIFT) spectroscopy and by cyclic voltammetry (CV) at various pHs. CV experiments showed that the redox reactions occurred at a certain degree of irreversibility on the chalcopyrite surface in the absence of a collector due to preferential dissolution of iron ions in slightly acid solution and irreversible surface coverage by iron oxyhydroxides in neutral and alkaline solutions. In the presence of DTPI, CV experiments failed to identify the type of the adsorbed DTPI species and electrochemical processes occurring on chalcopyrite due to formation of an electrochemically passive surface layer preventing electron transfer. However, DRIFT spectroscopy tests showed this passive layer to be mainly CuDTPI + (DTPI)2. Both CV and DRIFT spectroscopy established that the activity of collector species decreased with increasing pH due to formation of stable hydrophilic metal oxyhydroxides on the chalcopyrite surface.     

Bismuth Nanoparticles in Stripping Voltammetry of Sulfide Ions

For the first time, carbon screen‐printed electrodes (CSPE) modified with bismuth nanoparticles have been used to determine sulfide ions with stripping voltammetry (SV) by formation of sparingly soluble compounds with the electrode material. The impact of weight, degree of bismuth dispersion on CSPE surface, and Bi₂S₃ accumulation parameters on the sensitivity of the sensor have been studied. It has been established that bismuth nanoparticles (Bi_nano) as agglomerates of about 180 nm exhibit the optimum sensory properties. The linear concentration range has been observed over the interval of 0.93–5 µM sulfide ions during the accumulation time of 75 s. A detection limit of 0.15 µM sulfide ions was achieved.     

Catalytic activity of thiourea and its selected derivatives on electroreduction of In(III) in chlorates(VII)

It was found that thiourea, N-methylthiourea, N,N′-dimethylthiourea and N-allylthiourea accelerate the electroreduction process of In(III) ions in chlorates(VII). These substances are adsorbed on mercury from chlorates(VII). The relative surface excesses of thiourea and its derivatives increase with the increase of their concentrations and electrode charge. After adding thiourea, N-methylthiourea, N,N′-dimethylthiourea and N-allylthiourea to the solution an acceleration of the electroreduction process of In(III) ions occurs. This process depends on two factors: the adsorption of an accelerating substance on mercury and on the formation of complexes between a depolarizer and an accelerating substance on the electrode surface. The equilibrium of this complexing reaction determines the magnitude of the catalytic effect.