Effect of DL-cysteine on the flotation behavior of jamesonite and marmatite: Experimental and DFT studies

A novel flotation depressant with selective adsorption properties based on orbital matching was used to replace cyanide for the flotation separation of jamesonite and marmatite. The presence of characteristic groups, such as the sulfhydryl and amino groups, enhanced the adsorption of DL-cysteine on the metal ions (Zn2+ and Fe2+) on marmatite surface. The adsorption of DL-cysteine on the marmatite surface significantly enhanced the surface hydrophilicity and decreased the flotation recovery.