A Review on the Activation Effect of Lead Ions in Mineral Flotation

Pb²⁺ plays a modifying role in the flotation behavior of various sulfide and oxide minerals. However, there is currently no consensus on the use of lead salts as modifiers in mineral flotation. Based on previous research, this article provides a comprehensive review of the activation effect of Pb²⁺ on common oxide and sulfide minerals flotation from the perspective of interfacial reactions. A theoretical model for Pb²⁺ activation has been proposed in this article. When the pH is less than 7, Pb²⁺ replaces the metal atoms in the lattice of sulfide minerals or adsorbs on the mineral surface to form PbS. When pH is in the range of 7 ~ 10, chemical adsorption of Pb(OH)⁺ occurs on the mineral surface, leading to the formation of Me-O-Pb⁺. When pH = 10 ~ 11, Pb(OH)₂ precipitates on the mineral surface. Under this condition, it activates the flotation of quartz but inhibits the flotation of sulfide minerals.