Uncovering the hydrophobic mechanism of a novel dithiocarbamate-hydroxamate surfactant towards galena

Exploring the Mechanism of 4-Hydroxy-1,3,5-triazine-6-thiol Collector on Depressant-Free Flotation Separation of Galena from Sphalerite

The flotation separation of galena from sphalerite was commonly implemented under pH > 10.5, which led to the consumption of lime. In this paper, 2-diethylamine-4-hydroxy-1,3,5-triazine-6-thiol (DEHTT) was synthesized and introduced as a highly selective collector to perform the depressant-free flotation separation of Pb/Zn sulfide minerals. The microflotation results indicated that 8.0 × 10-7 mol/L DEHTT recovered 94.17% galena and 26.67% sphalerite from their mixture at pH 8.5 regulated by Na2CO3, and under the same conditions, sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX) floated out 94.94% galena and 50.41% sphalerite, deducing a superior flotation selectivity of DEHTT in comparison to SIBX. In situ AFM images displayed the more preferable adsorption of DEHTT on galena in comparison to that on sphalerite. The results of adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics inferred that the adsorption of DEHTT onto the galena surface was a spontaneous endothermic chemical process. XPS further indicated that DEHTT combined with interface Pb atoms to form the -S-Pb and -O-Pb bonds. The special affinity of DEHTT to galena achieved the selective flotation separation of galena from sphalerite without the addition of lime and depressants.

The Versatility in the Applications of Dithiocarbamates

Dithiocarbamate ligands have the ability to form stable complexes with transition metals, and this chelating ability has been utilized in numerous applications. The complexes have also been used to synthesize other useful compounds. Here, the up-to-date applications of dithiocarbamate ligands and complexes are extensively discussed. Some of these are their use as enzyme inhibitor and treatment of HIV and other diseases. The application as anticancer, antimicrobial, medical imaging and anti-inflammatory agents is examined. Moreover, the application in the industry as vulcanization accelerator, froth flotation collector, antifouling, coatings, lubricant additives and sensors is discussed. The various ways in which they have been employed in synthesis of other compounds are highlighted. Finally, the agricultural uses and remediation of heavy metals via dithiocarbamate compounds are comprehensively discussed.