π-π Stacking-driven Self-Assembly Enables Low-Odor, Highly Selective Xanthate Collectors for Galena Flotation

Area of Science:

• Mineral Processing and Surface Chemistry
• Green Chemistry and Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Conventional xanthates used in sulfide mineral flotation cause odor pollution and lack selectivity for similar minerals.
• Existing collectors struggle with efficient separation of complex sulfide ores.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate a novel, low-odor, and highly selective xanthate collector for sulfide mineral flotation.
• To address the limitations of traditional collectors in industrial mineral processing.

Main Methods:

• Molecular self-assembly strategy to synthesize O-(2-(bis(phenylmethyl)amino)ethyl) xanthate (PAEX).
• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, electronic nose measurements, and flotation experiments.
• Interfacial characterizations of galena and sphalerite.

Main Results:

• PAEX demonstrated significantly reduced odor compared to isobutyl xanthate (over 74.78% decrease in sulfide response).
• Achieved highly selective galena collection across a wide pH range.
• Formed stable hydrophobic films via ordered adsorption, enhancing wettability contrast.

Conclusions:

• The π-π stacking-assisted self-assembly strategy effectively overcomes odor and selectivity issues of conventional xanthates.
• PAEX shows strong industrial potential for green mineral processing and complex sulfide ore separation.