New insights into pyrite-hydrogen peroxide interactions during froth flotation: experimental and DFT study

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an efficient depressant for pyrite (FeS2) flotation. However, the depressing mechanism of H2O2 not fully understood. In this paper, capacity was examined by flotation tests. Results revealed that could be inhibited at pH 6.4. The powder in solution enhanced release O2 from H2O2. concentration less than H2O2; thus, major oxidant solution. Moreover, density functional theory calculations were performed to study interactions between and hydrated (100) surface. molecule tended react with surface generate one S=O bond H2O molecule. possible binding models molecules on also studied comparison. dissociation more favorable adsorption as a whole. addition, orbital interaction raised reaction H2O2/O2 investigated states analysis. These results provide some insights into oxidizing effect