SURFACE SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF FACTORS INFLUENCING XANTHATE ADSORPTION ON COAL PYRITE SURFACES

The relative adsorption of fluoroxanthates on several different coal p yrites has been found to depend on the degree to which the pyrite surf aces are oxidized. Maximum xanthate adsorption occurs in the absence o f pyrite surface oxidation and is affected by the presence of polysulf ides and metal-deficient sulfides on the pyrite surface. The structure and electronic properties of the xanthate molecule may also affect it s adsorption. 3-(Trifluoromethyl)benzyl xanthate was found to selectiv ely adsorb on pyrite vs. coal surfaces. Secondary ion mass spectrometr y is a viable alternative to x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for dete cting xanthate adsorption. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.