Preparation of Mineral-Carbon Adsorbents from Flotation Tailings Using the Spherical Agglomeration Technique

Flotation tailings, obtained from the copper recovery process, were converted into aggregates by means of the spherical oil agglomeration process, using sodium oleate or dodecylammonium hydrochloride as particles’ surface modifiers, and kerosene as bridging oil. The agglomeration process was characterized in respect to the surfactant nature, its concentration and amount of kerosene used. Resulting agglomerates were carbonized at 700°C in the Grey-King retort to give the mineral-carbon adsorbent. Subsequent alkaline work-up resulted in substantial increase of sorptive properties, as determined by the adsorption of water vapour, benzene and methanol and BET surface measurement. Simultaneously, removal of As3+ ions from aqueous solution has been examined. The results obtained in the present study clearly indicate possibility of making cheap and valuable composite sorbents from flotation tailings.