Enhanced mixed flotation of copper–molybdenum ore using dodecyl dimethyl betaine-emulsified kerosene as environmentally friendly collector

One way to decrease carbon emissions during mineral processing is to reduce reagent dosage. This research focused on utilizing dodecyl dimethyl betaine to emulsify kerosene, which significantly reduced the dosage of mixed flotation reagents for porphyry copper–molybdenum ores. A comparative analysis indicated that the addition of this emulsifier decreased the kerosene dosage by over 50% while enhancing the performance indicators. The analysis also showed that the directional adsorption of dodecyl dimethyl betaine at the oil–water interface increased the negative charge on the oil droplet surface, improving the stability and dispersion of the oil droplets in the solution. Furthermore, the emulsifier strengthened the adsorption stability of kerosene on the hydrophobic mineral surfaces. The emulsified kerosene predominantly exerted a physical adsorption effect on the mineral surfaces, with the highest strengthening effect observed for molybdenite, followed by pyrite and chalcopyrite. The collector, with a lower reagent dosage, improved porphyry copper–molybdenum ore processing and reduced carbon emissions.