Identification of copper-sulfide species on the cuprite surface and its role in sulfidization flotation

Cuprite is an important copper-oxide mineral that is difficult to recover in flotation. Therefore, it is necessary to study the flotation behavior of cuprite to recover copper resources. In this work, Na2S was used to modify the cuprite surface to enhance its floatability. The effect of Na2S on the flotation behavior of cuprite was determined by microflotation tests. The influence of Na2S on xanthate adsorption on the cuprite surface was determined by surface adsorption measurements, zeta potential tests, and infrared spectroscopy analysis. The surface sulfidization products on the cuprite surface were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The microflotation tests showed that Na2S could enhance the cuprite floatability. The surface adsorption measurements, zeta potential tests, and infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that sulfidization could strengthen the adsorption of xanthate on the cuprite surface and reduce the collector consumption. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated that a hydrophobic and stable copper-sulfide film formed on the cuprite surface. These results confirmed that sulfidization could enhance the cuprite surface hydrophobicity, which improved the cuprite flotation.