Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Molecular Liquids, cilt.441, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Bulk micro-nanobubbles (BMNBs) play a crucial role in regulating particle-bubble interactions during flotation; however, the influence of different surfactants on BMNB properties and their underlying mechanisms in fine mineral flotation remains unclear. To address this gap, this study systematically investigated the effects of BMNBs generated with different surfactant types and concentrations on quartz flotation performance, particle aggregation characteristics, and particle-bubble attachment dynamics. Flotation tests, in-situ particle size distribution (PSD) analyses, and three-phase contact line (TPCL) measurements revealed that increasing surfactant concentration led to higher BMNB numbers, size adjustment, and improved stability, thereby significantly enhancing quartz aggregation and bubble attachment, ultimately improving flotation recovery. Among the tested surfactants, ionic surfactant-derived BMNBs (e.g., cetyltrimethylammonium, CTAB) exhibited a stronger promotion of particle-bubble attachment and floc formation compared to nonionic polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400), while sodium oleate (NaOl)-derived BMNBs, despite their increased number, exhibited stronger negative charge, which enhanced electrostatic repulsion between particles and bubbles, limiting attachment efficiency. TPCL results further showed that with increasing surfactant concentration, the liquid film drainage and rupture processes were hindered by enhanced Marangoni effects and interfacial potentials, delaying TPCL formation. Nevertheless, in flotation systems, the synergistic action of collectors and BMNBs substantially increased particle-bubble collision frequency and aggregation efficiency, resulting in continuous improvement of flotation performance. Overall, surfactant type and concentration govern the number, size, and interfacial properties of BMNBs, which in turn control the formation and structure of bubble flocs, thereby dominating quartz aggregation and attachment kinetics. This study elucidates the mechanisms of BMNBs in mineral flotation and provides theoretical and practical insights into optimizing BMNB-assisted fine particle flotation.