[2]Reaction Mechanisms in the Biohydrometallurgical Process of Amorphous Sulfide Minerals

•     Amorphous molybdenite is a critical molybdenum resource that is difficult to enrich effectively using traditional physical or chemical beneficiation methods. Bioleaching offers a novel approach, yet due to limited fundamental research, challenges remain in overcoming low leaching efficiencies. This study focuses on two key scientific issues: the mechanisms of mineral bio-oxidation and interface regulation during the leaching process.

  Research Findings:

  1. Structural Impact on Leaching: Variations in MoS₂ mineral structure were found to significantly affect leaching efficiency. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the band structure, density of states, and charge transfer characteristics of crystalline MoS₂ were obtained, along with insights into the effects of elemental doping on its properties.

  2. Nonionic Surfactant Effect on Bioleaching: To enhance molybdenum bioleaching from amorphous molybdenite, the impact of nonionic surfactant Tween 20 on Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans metabolic activity and bioleaching efficiency was studied. Results indicated that Tween 20 promoted leaching at low concentrations but inhibited it at higher concentrations. At an optimal concentration of 30 mg/L, the molybdenum leaching rate increased from 42.21% (without Tween 20) to 54.10%.