The relationship between sulfur and iron in pyrite is as follows:
Regarding the relationship between sulfur and iron in pyrite, pyrite with a high S/Fe ratio is an n-type semiconductor, with a negative thermoelectric force and poor planktonic properties, which are easily suppressed by Na2S and Ca2 plasma. The two semiconductors with S/Fe ratios close to theoretical values are both p-type and n-type, with good planktonic properties in acidic media and poor planktonic properties in alkaline media. Pyrite with low S/Fe ratio is a p-type semiconductor with high thermoelectric potential and good planktonic properties in alkaline media. It is difficult to be suppressed by Na2S, Ca2, etc., but its planktonic properties are poor in acidic media.
Short chain xanthate is a traditional collector of pyrite, and the hydrophobic product is double xanthate. Xanthate makes it easy for pyrite to float on acidic media with a pH less than 6, but it suggests that the floatability may decrease or be more prone to floatation between pH 6 and 7. Research has shown that this phenomenon is related to the way ore samples are processed. Under alkaline conditions, the suspension of pyrite decreases with the increase of pH.
The activator of pyrite generally uses sulfuric acid, and can also be activated with Na2CO3 and CO2. The mechanism of action is to reduce the pH of the solution, making the surface of pyrite Ca2, Fe2, and Fe3 plasma form complexes, detaching insoluble salts from the surface of pyrite, and placing them in the solution to restore the fresh surface of pyrite.
Due to the presence of activators, the surface of pyrite becomes difficult to oxidize, and the suppressed pyrite is activated and floats. When the surface of pyrite undergoes deep oxidation, it can be activated by Cu2. The mechanism is that Cu2 can replace Fe2 in the pyrite lattice to form a copper containing sulfide film on the surface, enhancing the adsorption of xanthate. However, when pyrite adsorbs capture agents or is deeply inhibited by lime, it needs to be activated by CuSO4 in an acidic medium or after pickling. Lime is commonly used to increase the pH of ore slurry and suppress iron sulfide minerals.
The above is an introduction to the relationship between sulfur and iron in pyrite. Thank you for reading.