Study on high-efficiency sulfide removement using sulfate radical-based AOPs and its oxidation mechanism of refractory gold ore

Abstract

Pyrite enclosure poses a significant challenge in refractory gold ore processing, inhibiting gold leaching. This study explores Sulfate Radical-based Advanced Oxidation Processes (SR-AOPs) as an effective alternative for pretreating such ores. The oxidation pretreatments were performed under heat and ultrasound activation methods, including heat and ultrasound, and the influences of pretreatment time, pH, ultrasound power, pretreatment temperature, and precursor (PDS) concentration were investigated. Both ultrasonic and heat activation effectively mitigate the negative impact of pyrite enclosure on gold leaching. Specifically, the gold leaching rate improved from 21.9 % to 46.1 % and 74.9 % with heat and ultrasound activation, respectively The and generated by PDS dominate the pyrite oxidation according to EPR and quenching tests. Meanwhile, the SR-AOPs treatment also promotes the interactions between pyrite enclosure and leaching agent, reducing the negative influences of pyrite. Kinetic studies indicated that the oxidation processes are different under heat and ultrasound activation. Heat activation is governed by an interfacial chemical reaction, with an activation energy of 25.57 kJ/mol. In contrast, ultrasound-induced cavitation and microjets remove the oxidation layer, disrupt the pyrite crystal structure, and expose encapsulated gold. These effects accelerate pyrite oxidation, shifting the kinetic control step from interfacial chemical reaction to internal diffusion, with a reduced activation energy of 35.06 kJ/mol.