Thermodynamic Aspects of the Stability of Antimony Compounds and their Influence on the Beneficiation Processes of Stibnite

Abstract

The article discusses the thermodynamic aspects of the stability of antimony compounds and their influence on the enrichment of stibnite. Due to the high toxicity of antimony compounds and their industrial significance, it is important to understand their thermodynamic properties for developing efficient ore processing methods. The study focuses on analyzing the states of antimony compounds at various Eh and pH values, which makes it possible to identify stable phases, including metallic antimony, antimony trioxide, and antimony pentoxide. Based on thermodynamic data, the equilibrium relationships of antimony compounds were calculated, equations were derived, and stability diagrams were constructed. It was shown that antimony pentoxide forms more readily than antimony tetroxide and requires a lower oxidation potential. In addition, the boundaries of the existence of solid and soluble forms of antimony were determined, which is crucial for understanding its behavior in different chemical environments. The results of the study are of practical importance for optimizing stibnite flotation processes: the choice of reagents and processing conditions largely depends on the state of antimony compounds on mineral surfaces. For example, increasing the pH and reducing the oxidation potential can enhance the solubility of oxidation products, allowing better control over ore processing. Furthermore, data on the stability of antimony compounds are useful for monitoring and preventing their hazardous emissions into the environment

Please cite this article in English as:

Kholov Kh.I., Samikhov Sh.R. Thermodynamic aspects of the stability of antimony compounds and their influence on the beneficiation processes of stibnite. Herald of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Series Natural Sciences, 2026, no. 3 (126), pp. 103--121 (in Russ.). EDN: OPQUYB

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