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Oxidation of arsenopyrite (FeAsS) in acid Part II: Stoichiometry and reaction scheme

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Abstract

The electrochemical oxidation of arsenopyrite (FeAsS) in 0.01 iv1 chloride solution at pH 2 has been investigated and the effect of electrode potential, temperature and arsenopyrite mineral composition on the reaction stoichiometry studied. Iron, arsenic and sulfur products were formed in the ratio 1 : 1 : 1, for all conditions for arsenic deficient and stoichiometric arsenopyrite. Product speciation was dependent on temperature and potential, but not on arsenopyrite composition. At 25°C, Fe(ii), Fe(iii), As(iii), As(v), S, SO 2−4 and S(x) (which could be a polythionate such as tetrathionate or pentathionate) were formed and ∼9e− produced per mol of arsenopyrite oxidized. At 75°C, practically no S(x) was formed and 7.5 e− produced per mol of arsenopyrite oxidized. A qualitative reaction scheme, based on the decomposition of thiosulfate to polythionate in the presence of As(iii), is outlined.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Applied Chemistry, Curtin University, 6102, Bentley, Australia

    P. G. Fernandez

  2. CSIRO DMP, Curtin University, 6102, Bentley, Australia

    H. G. Linge & M. J. Willing

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  1. P. G. Fernandez
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  2. H. G. Linge
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Fernandez, P.G., Linge, H.G. & Willing, M.J. Oxidation of arsenopyrite (FeAsS) in acid Part II: Stoichiometry and reaction scheme. J Appl Electrochem 26, 585–591 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00253456

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