International Journal of Applied Chemistry
  • Year: 2007
  • Volume: 3
  • Issue: 3

Effect of trace ions on xanthate adsorption at The Galena – Sphalerite water interface

  • Author:
  • Gerald O. Onyedika, Emmanuel N. Ejike, Theresa C. Mba
  • Total Page Count: 7
  • Page Number: 213 to 219

Department of Industrial Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author, E-mail: goonyedika@yahoo.com

Abstract

The study of the effect of Cu2+, Mg2+ and Na+ ions on the adsorption densities of potassium ethylxanthate (KEX) onto galena and sphalerite surfaces was undertaken. The specific surface areas of adsorption of galena and sphalerite estimated as 0.003 m2g−1 and 0.008 m2g− respectively was obtained. The adsorption test showed that Cu2+ and Na+ enhanced xanthate adsorption onto sphalerite surface while Mg2+ and Cu2+ exhibited relatively low adsorption enhancement effect on the galena surfaces. The sequence of adsorption effect was Na+ > Cu2+ > Mg2+ for galena and Cu2+ > Na+ for sphalerite. Mg2+ shows no adsorption effect.

Keywords

Galena, sphalerite, adsorption, Potassium ethylxanthate, trace ions, conductance