Role of treatment on dithiophosphate adsorption on chalcopyrite

Abstract

Role of treatment on the electrochemistry of dithiophosphate (DTP) adsorption on chalcopyrite was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. Measurements were made in slightly acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. DTP covered minerals surface as dithiolate, (DTP)2, and inhibited chalcopyrite oxidation at a certain rate especially in slightly acid solution. At higher pH values, DTP adsorption was restricted due to heavy surface oxidation. Redox peaks could be distinguished in neutral and alkaline pHs. On the other hand, oxidation peaks of chalcopyrite disappeared at higher dosages of DTP. Intensity of (DTP)2 formation peak became significant by increasing the dosage of collector. Absence of reduction peak indicates that DTP adsorbed irreversibly on chalcopyrite.