Effect of pH on surface characteristics and flotation of sulfidized cerussite

The effect of pH on surface characteristic and flotation of sulfidized cerussite was studied by micro-flotation tests, dissolution experiments, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The micro-flotation tests demonstrated that higher recovery of cerussite was achieved in acidic solutions than that in alkaline solutions. Despite the addition of high collector concentrations, cerussite flotation did not improved in alkaline solutions. The dissolution performance of sulfide-treated cerussite at different pH values indicated that the lead sulfide layer on the surface of sulfide-treated cerussite could exist in acidic solutions and it was more stable at acidic pH than in alkaline solutions. This finding was proved by the SEM-EDS and XPS analyses.