Internal reflection spectroscopy for FTIR analysis of carboxylate adsorption by semi-soluble salt minerals

Flotation chemists have long sought to unravel the mechanisms of carboxylate collector adsorption by semi-soluble salt minerals. In particular, the adsorption density of adsorbed carboxylates, adsorption kinetics, speciation (chemisorbed, physisorbed), orientation, and conformation are of interest. Given the importance of these phenomena in establishing the hydrophobic state at a mineral surface, in-situ surface spectroscopy studies certainly are justified. Such measurements traditionally have been difficult to perform. However, beginning in the late 1980s, a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic technique was developed that has allowed for the acquisition of a wealth of detailed information concerning carboxylate adsorption in semi-soluble salt flotation systems. The technique, internal reflection spectroscopy using single-crystal internal reflection elements, is reviewed, as it applies to semi-soluble salt flotation systems.