The novel application of the ionic liquid Tetrabutylphosphonium-O, O-diethyl phosphorodithioate as a collector in chalcopyrite Flotation: A greener replacement of xanthates

Abstract

This communication reports the novel application of an ionic liquid (IL), Tetrabutylphosphonium-O, Odiethyl phosphorodithioate (TPBDBT), as a greener alternative to xanthate-based collectors for chalcopyrite flotation. Flotation studies of a low-grade Indian chalcopyrite ore (similar to 0.7% Cu) were undertaken to evaluate the collecting ability of TPBDBT. Under optimal conditions (25 g/t collector, pH 7.40, 100 g/t depressant), the IL-based collector could generate a concentrate having about 26.18% Cu at 85.81% recovery, outplaying the conventional collector, Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate (SIPX), which could upgrade the Cu grade to about 23%. Characterization studies comprising zeta potential measurements, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) studies revealed stronger bonding and better adsorption of TBPDBT on chalcopyrite. Besides, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed that TBPDBT induces stronger hydrophobicity on the chalcopyrite surface compared to SIPX, thereby rationalizing the superior flotation efficiency of the former. Collective experimental and theoretical studies proved TBPDBT as a sustainable reagent, offering a reduced chemical footprint. (c) 2026 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.